An expert on health care leadership and governance and the author of a book on cancer caregivers, Deborah J. Cornwall’s experience brings a unique perspective to her service on HopeHealth’s Board of Directors. “Everyone on the HopeHealth team is so committed to the organization, our patients, and to each other,” she said. “They see multiple dimensions of every patient and every caregiver and they focus on doing whatever they can to enrich people’s lives for as much time as they have left.”

Cornwall and her husband recently learned about an opportunity to support HopeHealth more generously than they thought possible—and save on taxes, too. “Our 401K had done well and our required distribution was larger than we expected – but so were the tax implications,” Cornwall said. Their financial planner suggested a Qualified Charitable Distribution: a way to make a tax-free gift from their retirement plan directly to their favorite charities. “We identified two organizations we wanted to support in a major way – of course, one was HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care,” said Cornwall. “We are living on a fixed income, so this was our opportunity to do that and still eat!”

Even more meaningful was that the Cornwalls could designate their support to a specific HopeHealth program: Advanced Illness Care. “Being able to direct our support has really strengthened my connection to HopeHealth. It is an incredible feeling to know that we are part of caring for HopeHealth’s patients and everyone impacted by their illnesses,” said Cornwall.