Making a Lasting Impact for Kids with Down Syndrome

For Bill and Jenny McCloy, their son Sam has always been a source of inspiration to help others in the community.

"Sam is our motivation," Bill says. "We think of kids like him, and the families who don't have the resources they need when facing similar challenges-and we want to help."

Twenty-six years ago, Sam was born with Down syndrome. It came as a shock to Bill and Jenny, and though they didn't know what to expect, our team at the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome was there to help them navigate their child's care needs.

"Cincinnati Children's has impressed us from the beginning," Jenny explains. "They provided a wealth of not only information, but also support for our family. Their caliber of care got us interested in helping out however we could."

The McCloys are long-time donors of the medical center and have been supporting the Thomas Center for years. They understand that philanthropy is key to improving care, advancing research and raising awareness and advocacy-so that others like Sam can lead a happy and healthy life.

Yet they wanted to do even more. Recently, the McCloys made the decision to include Cincinnati Children's in their will, creating a legacy of ongoing care for the families who rely on us.

"The Legacy Planning team did a great job of making it simple and efficient," Bill explains. "It's such an easy and meaningful way to help-and you don't have to be a millionaire to make a tremendous impact."

Today, now more than ever, families of children with Down syndrome can expect and plan for a bright and productive future thanks to charitable partners, like the McCloy family.

In fact, the establishment of the Thomas Center was made possible because of philanthropy. As part of our Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, we provide ongoing support and individualized therapies to help kids with Down syndrome at home, in school and in the community.

"Sam is the light of our life," Jenny says. "This is his legacy too-inspiring others to help kids like him."

How Do I Get Started?

• CONTACT OUR LEGACY PLANNING TEAM
• DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE
• REQUEST AN ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE