Research Fellowship:
A Very Special Legacy of Hope
William Donald (Bill) Nash greatly valued the importance of his family and heritage. Bill grew up on the family dairy farm in Ingersoll, ON that had been worked before him by his mother and father. In 1992 Bill’s life was turned upside down by the diagnosis of his brain tumour. Over the next 16 years until his death in 2007, Bill did not let his brain tumour prevent him from tending to his daily chores for the animals and the farm that he loved.
When he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, he refused to give up. "Bill had a great desire to live. He believed he could conquer his tumour and that there would be a way to find a cure," said Vince Nash, Bill’s cousin. "He always had a bright, positive attitude and a smile for everyone. Bill had a sincere appreciation for his caregivers and doctors who helped him through his journey with his brain tumour."
The close Nash cousins often spent their summers on the farm. The clan gathered frequently, but especially at Christmas when everyone would await Santa’s visit. Christmas 2007 was Bill’s turn to be Santa, but Bill was just too ill to attend his much loved family celebration.
"Bill had a fairly large farm operation and usually had the help of six or seven high school or university students," said Vince. "He really enjoyed that age group and their dedication to learning. Bill wanted a cure for brain tumours to be found and he understood the importance of education to that goal."
Several years before his death, Bill had a discussion with his family regarding his estate. Because of his specific interest in involving young people in brain tumours research, the family worked with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to create a fellowship that will encourage and enable young clinicians and scientists to enter the field of brain tumour research and will accelerate studies leading to a cure for brain tumours.
This new fellowship - recipients will receive $100,000 over two years to aid in their research - will be offered by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada in keeping with our vision and in recognition of the critical need for increased focus on brain tumour research, a goal shared with Bill.
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada salutes Bill Nash for his generosity in helping young researchers bring hope for better treatments and a cure for brain tumours.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's Legacy Giving programs.
If you would like to learn how your gift, like Bill’s, can make a difference to the lives of the 55,000 people living with a brain tumour, please contact Susan Relecom, Director of Development at 1-800-265-5106, ext. 227 or by e-mail at srelecom@braintumour.ca. Please ask for your free copy of the Gift Planners Legacy Guide that provides important information that you and your financial planner or lawyer can use to maximize the benefits of your bequest.