A Father's Wish Fulfilled

Overlook has been the hospital of choice for Melanie Sze's family for more than half a century. So when her father in his final years suggested that Overlook be included in her estate plan, Melanie happily complied. She named Overlook Foundation a partial beneficiary of her IRA and then created a charitable gift annuity to supplement her retirement income with favorable returns before eventually benefitting Overlook.

"My parents moved to Chatham in 1955, and since then, we've had numerous experiences at Overlook as patients and volunteers," says Melanie, a retired corporate information specialist who is active with the Art League of the Chathams and is a past trustee of the Chatham Township Historical Society.

"I was a candy striper during my high school years, and I've had several stays in the hospital, including four days in intensive care," Melanie continues. "My father was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer and during the last few months of his life, he had several trips to the Emergency Department. As he approached his 100th birthday, he joked that the Emergency Department staff must be getting tired of seeing him."

Although Palmer Sze died five months short of becoming a centenarian, Melanie has helped to ensure that his wish that Overlook's care touch more lives will be realized.

"We've watched Overlook grow with the community as it cared for our family and many others. The staff in the patient areas and the Emergency Department has always been friendly, efficient, and professional."

To learn how you can memorialize loved ones and benefit Overlook's future through your IRA or a charitable gift annuity, please contact Kenneth D. Cole at 973.818.9874 or kenneth.cole@atlantichealth.org. @[ContactPronoun2] can produce an illustration that details the benefits for you and your family.