Planned Giving: Leaving a Legacy

Planned Giving: Leaving a Legacy

In 2021, Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation (PHF) lost a friend and supporter whose life and generosity have been an integral part of Presbyterian’s history. Mary Helen Allburt (1920-2021) passed away in February at the age of 100. Throughout her life, she gave more than 36 gifts to PHF, reflecting her gratitude for the care she received as a pediatric patient. By designating the Foundation and the Child Life Program in her will, Mary Helen established a generous legacy gift that benefits future pediatric patients and their families.

Mary Helen was just nine years old when she was diagnosed with tuberculosis. She and her mother traveled from their home in Indiana to New Mexico to seek care at the Southwestern Presbyterian Sanatorium. “The San” was unprepared to meet the needs of children and didn’t accept anyone under 18, but when she and her mother showed up at the front door in 1931, Marion K. Van Devanter (“Mrs. Van”) made sure she was admitted.

Mary Helen not only survived, but also became a longtime friend of the organization, leaving behind an archive of letters she exchanged with members of the Foundation staff.

She fully embraced the concept of Rachel’s Courtyard, making annual contributions to make things better for the children who were supported there.

Vicki Macaulay, former longtime PHF staff member, developed a close relationship with Mary Helen. “She was always most focused on supporting the children in our hospitals because of her personal experience,” Vicki says. “I sensed that she wanted to ease their experience through disease and injury. She was a cheerful, generous donor and an inspiration to me and many others.”

Mrs. Allburt, Reverend Allburt, and Mary Helen Allburt, Minister’s Cottage (1930)

I have had a pretty long and wonderful life as a result of the San and have a deep gratitude that can never really be paid, so anything I can do in a small way to help is very important to me,”