Houston Methodist Foundation Annual Report 2021

A LEGACY VOYAGE:

COUPLE FINDS PURPOSE IN ESTATE GIFT

Candy and Tom Knudson’s relationship with Houston Methodist connects to the late ’80s and early ’90s when the couple lived overseas, but Candy’s relationship began before then.

“I’m an only child. If I couldn’t reach my parents, I would call Houston Methodist, and one of them would be there,” Candy Knudson says.

“The hospital has been a part of our family for a long time, and it continues with us, our children and grandchildren.”

Their relationship with the hospital deepened when they trusted Houston Methodist with several family members’ care through serious illnesses and surgeries.

Those experiences led the Knudsons to create the Candy and Tom Knudson Distinguished Centennial Chair in Neurosurgery, in honor of its current holder, Dr. Gavin W. Britz, and more recently, to make an estate gift to create the Candy and Tom Knudson Neurosurgical Research Endowment.

“We value the hospital’s excellent health care, but we value the relationships we have developed even more,”

says Tom Knudson, who serves on the Neurological Institute National Council.

“Everyone at Houston Methodist has a way of relating and showing their character in a way that speaks to me powerfully. They truly live out the I CARE values, and it is inspirational.”

The Knudsons wanted to zero in on programs and places for which they feel passionate and that will make a major impact. The Houston Methodist Neurological Institute was a priority area that met their criteria.

“We believe in Houston Methodist and all they’re doing,” Tom Knudson says. “We support them with our funds, and with our time and our hearts.”

“I have no idea what ‘Star Wars’-like research our estate gift might support someday, but I bet it’s going to be spectacular,” he continues. “For both Candy and me, knowing Houston Methodist will be leading medicine for our children and grandchildren is very reassuring.”

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