August 1, 2023
August is National “Make-a-Will-Month” — the time when we are reminded of the importance of thinking ahead to leave your mark on the world with a meaningful legacy to your family and community.
A will is the easiest and most effective means to ensure that you fully provide for the people you love and that your assets are distributed as you wish. Yet, a recent survey showed that 6 out of every 10 American adults have not created one! The cost and time needed to work with an attorney on a will might be one barrier.
That’s why the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) enlisted the help of FreeWill to provide members of our community with a free, easy-to-use tool to create a will. So you can be sure that your vision for the future is fulfilled.
As you get started on your will, one decision to consider is whether you would like to leave something to support a charity you care about. You can set whatever terms you wish. For instance, you may bequeath a gift to the Lupus Research Alliance in the form of a dollar amount, a specific property, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after your loved ones have been provided for.
It’s donations like these that have enabled the LRA to support the most innovative research in the world – work that led to the development and approval of the two treatments specifically developed for systemic lupus erythematosus – Benlysta and Saphnelo – as well as alternatives to harmful steroids. Very exciting, too, is the current development of CD19 CAR T cells as a potential new type of treatment that started with a grant from the LRA back in 2015.
Gifts by will, or bequests, both large and small, make these discoveries possible. Bequests to the Lupus Research Alliance are entirely free from federal estate tax, and there is no minimum or maximum to the amount you can designate in your will. Because our Board of Directors covers all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of your donation supports scientific research programs aimed at prevention, treatment, and cure for lupus.
For more information, please send an email to plannedgiving@lupusresearch.org or call us at 646-884-6000.
