A Surprise Gift

When Hospice director Paula Toups opened a letter stating Hospice of St. Tammany had been named a beneficiary of a life insurance policy for a man she didn't know, she was surprised, to say the least. The gentlemen, who had recently passed away, left policies totaling over $75,000 to Hospice to help further their mission in providing palliative and supportive care to terminally ill patients and their families in the home through an interdisciplinary team that addresses physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

Staff at both Hospice and St. Tammany Hospital Foundation soon learned that neither the donor or his late wife had been patients of Hospice, but both had received care at St. Tammany Parish Hospital over the years. While they may never know all the reasons he chose to support Hospice with his ultimate gift, both Hospice and the Foundation will always be grateful for his thoughtful planning and generous contribution.

"There is a saying," shares Nicole Suhre, Foundation Executive Director, "I'd rather hug you while you're here than shake your family's hand when you are gone." The Foundation encourages anyone who wants to remember the hospital in their estate planning to let us know so we can thank you face to face.

Beneficiary designation is just one of the many types of planned gifts. These types of gifts allow you to support the mission of the hospital and its programs even after your lifetime. All planned gift donors to the Foundation are recognized as members of the Legacy of Caring Society.

To learn more ways you can support St. Tammany Hospital and the people in our care, contact Nicole Suhre, CFRE at 985-898-4171 or nsuhre@stph.org.