We are honoured to share the story of Lois Batten, a grateful patient who left a generous legacy gift to support the caregivers, patients and families at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital, as well as the wider community.
Lois, originally from Adelaide, faced many challenges in her life. In 1980, a serious motor vehicle accident left her in a coma for several months with a poor prognosis. When she awoke, she had severe injuries and reduced mobility, making her fully dependent on supported care — first from her devoted parents, and later from professional care homes. Throughout her life, Lois also experienced the compassionate care provided by St John of God Warrnambool Hospital. In gratitude for this support, she decided to leave a special gift in her Will.
Lois’ legacy gift will fund essential upgrades at the hospital, including new surgical equipment, a chemotherapy treatment chair and gym equipment to aid in patient recovery from illness and surgery. These improvements will enhance the already excellent care provided and benefit the health of the entire community.
“It is truly inspiring that Lois, despite her many hardships, still chose to give back to her community and leave a lasting legacy,” says Preema Wong, Director of Philanthropy at St John of God Foundation.
“When planning our Wills, we can all consider the impact of our legacy. No matter the size of the gift, it can make a difference and help shape the future of health care and the lives of patients.”
Lois’ generosity will be felt for years to come, and her story is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact one person can have on the lives of many.
Leaving a legacy gift in your Will can help St John of God Health Care meet the growing needs of patients in our communities.
By choosing an area of support that’s meaningful to you, you can help to ensure the very best health care is available for people in their time of greatest need, now and into the future.
We welcome you to contact Preema on 0427 526 899 or email [email protected] for a confidential discussion on how leaving a gift in your Will can create a lasting legacy.