Every August, nonprofits across the country mark “Make a Will Month” — a reminder that estate planning is one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to make sure the causes we love continue long after we’re gone.
At Mission Doctors Association, this month gives us a chance to pause and reflect on something we think about often: legacy.
For over 65 years, Mission Doctors has sent Catholic healthcare professionals to serve the sick and poor in underserved communities across the world. That work has only been possible because generation after generation of donors have believed it was worth investing in — not just for today, but for the decades ahead.
It is the legacy of Dr. Lou and Mrs. Martha Coda, who have returned to serve in rural Uganda year after year; Dr. Peter Meade, who has given so much of his life serving patients and teaching surgeons around the world; and Dr. James Guzek, restoring sight and teaching others to do the same, and so many more since 1959.
None of that work happens without a foundation of support that stretches years, even decades, into the future. A gift in a will is exactly that kind of foundation: a promise that this mission continues for the Mission Doctors not yet sent, and the patients not yet cared for, or perhaps not yet born.
A legacy gift doesn’t require wealth or complexity. For many donors, it’s as simple as naming Mission Doctors Association in an existing will, or adding a percentage to a will you create this month. It costs nothing today and can be updated whenever your circumstances change. What it does is far greater than its simplicity suggests: it says that Christ’s healing work, carried out through people of good will, Catholic medical professionals, and mission partners, is worth sustaining for the long haul.
If you’ve already included Mission Doctors in your estate plans, thank you — truly. We’d love to know so we can express our gratitude properly and ensure we’re honoring your intentions.
And if it’s something you’ve been meaning to consider, this month is a good nudge to start. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to figure it out alone — we’re happy to talk it through, answer questions, or simply point you toward resources to get started.
This is a mission built by people who believe healing, dignity, and hope are worth investing in for the long term. A legacy gift is one of the most lasting ways to be part of that story.
Interested in learning more about including Mission Doctors Association in your will or estate plans? Visit our Legacy Page or reach out to our team; we’d love to talk with you.