A Sister Honors Her Brother by Supporting the FNIH

Fifteen years ago, Richard Lauderbaugh discovered he had Stage 4 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer that affects white blood cells in the bone marrow, which then travel to the blood. Because leukemia cells of this type build up slowly, Richard was caught completely by surprise. By the time he consulted a doctor, the cancer had spread throughout his body.

An attorney, art lover and health policy advocate, Richard immediately consulted his good friend—a respected doctor at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—who advised that he undergo treatment at its Clinical Center, as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was studying CLL.

During the time that Richard was treated at NIH, his sister Paula Bradley said he felt respected and excellently cared for by top physicians. Unfortunately, his cancer was too far along, but Richard died knowing that his care team had done everything they could for him.

Paula and her husband, William, understood that, too. They sought advice from the NIH on what they could do to support research to treat and end CLL in other patients. Paula, formerly an editor at a biomedical firm, was already deeply aware of NIH’s reputation and promise. It was at this stage they were directed to the Foundation for the NIH (FNIH).

The Bradleys came to the FNIH in 2008, with the understanding that the Foundation would direct and steward their contributions according to their wishes. Their initial gift was made to support research at NCI’s Center for Cancer Genomics, where a group of scientists were researching CLL. Over the years, the Bradleys have also supported the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge at the NIH, which offers a home away from home for adult patients and their caregivers while receiving care at the Clinical Center.

But the Bradleys wanted to do more.

A few years later, they consolidated some of their funds into a charitable gift annuity (CGA). For them, the CGA was a good fit for this stage of their lives. After discussions with their financial advisor, they came to the FNIH to set up their CGA in 2012. Since then, they have been receiving a reliable income through quarterly distributions. With CGA payout rates now higher than they have been in more than a decade, they benefit even more. Upon their passing, the remainder of the gift annuity will be bequeathed to the FNIH to support leukemia and lymphoma research at the NIH.

“Richard’s final days were spent at NIH, thus our admiration for its resources and people, and the FNIH, grew from there,” says Paula. The memory of Richard Lauderbaugh and the legacy of the Bradleys will live on. Because of the Bradleys’ thoughtful generosity, both now and after they pass away, patients and those who love them will benefit for years to come.