What your gift can achieve.

Be Inspired by Gifts in Wills

Helen, Cancer Survivor

Helen, cancer survivor

Growing up, Helen was twice diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer).  Helen was the beneficiary of a clinical trial of a new treatment, which she said saved her life.

“The tumours were primary cancers, which is very rare. I took part in a clinical trial as part of my treatment the second time around. It involved Colony Stimulating Factors (CFSs), which stimulate stem cells to help my body cope with the high dose of chemotherapy I was receiving. This treatment was the result of research done by Professor Don Metcalfe who discovered CSFs that have now saved the lives of over 20 million people world-wide. ”

A gift left in a Will to Cancer Council Victoria allowed us to begin funding the work of the late Professor Metcalf in 1954. Professor Metcalf’s tireless dedication led to a breakthrough discovery – he identified hormones, later referred to as Colony Stimulating Factors, that could trigger the production of white blood cells in bone marrow. 

White cells defend the body from infection, but become severely depleted in cancer patients on chemotherapy, leaving them vulnerable to serious, sometimes fatal conditions. Finding a way to offset this was a major leap forward in improving how a person responds to chemotherapy. Colony Stimulating Factors have been used in life-saving cancer treatments all around the world, benefitting more than 20 million people.

Karen, benefactor

Karen, benefactor

“Cancer just goes on and on from one generation to the next. If we want to stop it, we need breakthroughs. We need people standing up. We need a wave of absolute urgency. I feel the only way to create this is to get involved. And it’s why I’ve taken the step of including a gift to Cancer Council Victoria in my Will. ”

Colin, benefactor

Colin, benefactor

“I could not stop my friends from developing cancer, but I did have control when it comes to assisting the amazing work of Cancer Council Victoria. I have the control to make a difference in the lives and well-being of other men, women and children. ”

Brent, benefactor

Brent, benefactor

Many members of Brent’s extended family have been diagnosed with cancer. He is in awe of cancer researchers and their lifesaving work, so he wants to play his own part in supporting them.

“Why not give some of whatever you’ve built up over your life to those who really need it? ”

Jenny, benefactor

Jenny, benefactor

Cancer has had a huge effect on Jenny’s life, and she hopes by leaving a gift in her Will her legacy will stop cancer from interfering in the lives of future generations.

“My beautiful husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We fought that together for 20 years. ”
Helen, Cancer survivor
Helen, cancer survivor
Karen, benefactor
Karen, benefactor
Colin, benefactor
Colin, benefactor
Brent, benefactor
Brent, benefactor
Jenny, benefactor
Jenny, benefactor

Impact of Gifts in Wills

Gifts in Wills have left an important legacy at Cancer Council Victoria. They allow us to plan for the future. They ensure breakthroughs in cancer research, enable us to translate research into programs and policies that improve health outcomes and stop cancer before it starts.

Over 50% of all research and support offered to people affected by cancer in Victoria in 2021 was made possible by compassionate Victorians who included a gift in their Will to Cancer Council Victoria. In 2021 alone supporters raised $29.7 million for Cancer Council Victoria, $23.2 million of that was made possible through gifts in wills. Every dollar you leave to Cancer Council Victoria in your Will contributes to our mission and brings us closer to a cancer free future.

In 2021 we spent:

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We spent $23.7 million on cancer research

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We spent $18.6 million on cancer prevention

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We spent $5.6 million on providing information and support to people affected by cancer

Here’s what Gifts in Wills have helped us achieve

Gifts in Wills have helped bring a cancer free future closer. With your support, we invest in cutting-edge cancer research and prevention projects, where the biggest impact can be made, even if that takes years.

 

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Our iconic Slip-Slop-Slap and SunSmart programs have prevented more than 43,000 cancers.

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Health 2020, a study involving more than 40,000 Victorians has uncovered clear links between diet, weight, and higher risk of 13 different cancers.

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By 2030, cervical cancer will be eliminated in Victoria as result of screening and HPV immunisation programs.


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Benefits of leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria

Benefits

Daffodil Circle

Events

Daffodil Circle Pack

We know that the biggest benefit of leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria, is the incredible legacy of hope that you will leave. We understand that by leaving a gift to us you truly want to make a difference to those affected by cancer. The impact of your gift will ensure breakthroughs in cancer research, enable us to translate research in programs and policies that improve health outcomes and stop cancer before it starts. We know that by including a gift in your Will, you are providing hope for a better future, a gift for generations to come.

Once you have included Cancer Council Victoria in your Will, we hope you will let our Gifts in Wills team know, so that we can thank you personally. It also means you can become a member of the Daffodil Circle, stay up to date on important research, prevention and support work and be invited to exclusive events throughout the year.

Daffodil Circle Event

Once you have informed us of a gift left in your Will, you will be invited to join our exclusive Daffodil Circle.

By becoming a member of the Daffodil Circle, you will join a community of like-minded Victorians who are passionate about working towards a cancer free future. As a member of our Daffodil Circle, you will: 

  • Hear first-hand about advances in the prevention, detection, treatment of cancer and support services.
  • Be invited to exclusive events with some of the country’s leading cancer experts.
  • Have opportunities to connect with like-minded people who share your vision for a cancer free future.

Your wishes come first.

Your experience as a member of the Daffodil Circle can be tailored to your wishes. You can choose how you hear from us and what events you want to attend. If you choose not to become a member of the Daffodil Circle, please still let us know if you have included a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria so we can thank you and keep you up to date with our work. We will honour your request to keep your intention anonymous.

You will also receive a welcome pack in the mail, a copy of our most recent impact report, our latest newsletter, a special pin that will signify your membership of this special community and more.

Todd Harper speaking at a Gifts In Wills Event

Our end of year event is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to our wonderful Daffodil Circle members for the far-sighted thoughtfulness they have shown by including a gift to Cancer Council Victoria in their Will. The event is an opportunity for Daffodil Circle members to come together, meet other members, and hear first-hand about Cancer Council Victoria’s work.

Our promises to you

Including a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria is an important decision and it’s one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.  That is why we make this promise to you:

  • We understand that your family and loved ones come first. We hope that, once you’ve looked after those closest and dearest to you, you might think about leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria to support the work we do.
  • Your privacy and wishes will always be respected.
  • Whatever your gift to us, we will ensure it does the greatest good in the area where it is most needed.
  • We recognise you have every right to change your mind about your gift at any time.
  • You are under no obligation to inform us if you have included us in your Will.  However, we would find it helpful to know your wishes as it gives us the opportunity to personally thank you, and to plan for the future.
  • Any information you share with us will be kept strictly confidential and will be used respectfully and appropriately.

Want to learn more?

Leaving a gift in your Will isn’t as difficult as you might think. However, if have any questions or would like to talk to someone about it, you can reach our Gifts in Wills team members Abi or Mel by calling 03 9514 6828, or emailing giftsinwills@cancervic.org.au.