For Bill and Beverly Hazelwood, leaving a legacy is not about leaving tangible items behind. They feel a real inheritance is a lasting gift to help mankind.

"We have found that passion is an emotion of both your heart and mind that you act on," shares Beverly.

Since 1986, Bill and Beverly have demonstrated their commitment through giving and service through the McLeod Foundation.

Bill has touched countless lives during his 40-year career as a McLeod Pulmonologist and Critical Care Intensivist. Additionally, he has endeared himself to many through his love for music. Often, he provides comfort by singing to his patients in the intensive care units.

Beverly, who trained as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse and has served on the McLeod Foundation Board since its establishment, was elected to the McLeod Health Board of Trustees this past year. With a desire to serve others, she has devoted considerable energy to campaigns for the Children’s Hospital, the Guest House, the Hospice House, the Mobile Mammography Unit, the Cancer Center, 3D Mammography and the new Emergency Department.

Through these many fundraising efforts, she and Bill have made a difference with generous financial commitments.

While serving as Co-Chair to raise funds for the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research, Bill was diagnosed with lung cancer. The project suddenly became much more personal for the Hazelwoods. Bill and Beverly decided to include a gift in their will to ensure that McLeod cancer patients who entrust us with their care always have access to the most advanced, lifesaving treatment right here at home.

Bill and Beverly are quick to share that they have been able to act on their passion of caring for others through a simple act of including the McLeod Foundation in their will.

Beverly maintains, "One day we will not be remembered as Bill and Beverly Hazelwood; but at this point in our lives, we are grateful that the McLeod Foundation is the avenue we can use to make a positive impact on others in their cancer journey."

Like the Hazelwoods, you can leave a lasting legacy of support for those we serve through an estate gift. To learn more, contact Casey Rasmussen at (843) 777-2898 or casey.rasmussen@mcleodhealth.org.