A simple way to leave a lasting legacy

Heidi

Jenny Wojcik’s sister, Heidi Brylewski, was born in 1960. She had Down syndrome and at the time, there were no specialized services or care for individuals with developmental disabilities.

“My parents were told she would likely only live a couple of years, and that they had two options: they could take her home or put her in an institution,” explained Jenny. “They took her home and our lives revolved around her care for many years.”

In addition to having Down syndrome, Heidi had also suffered brain damage from issues related to lack of oxygen during her birth.

“She was very cognitively impaired, nonverbal and needed 24-hour care. My family was constantly searching for resources to help Heidi live a productive and healthy life. There were a number of very difficult years where we were going from one doctor appointment to the next and always being told they couldn’t help.”

As an adult, Jenny helped her mother navigate Heidi’s health journey.

“By happenstance, I came across some information about a new clinic for adults with Down syndrome that was connected to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. That was a major turning point in all of our lives. It was the first time there were people in the medical field who were truly interested in caring for my sister,” she recalled. “And it was more than just a doctor seeing a patient. It was a team supporting our whole family.”

Heidi was a patient at the Adult Down Syndrome Center for over 25 years.

“It was just an unbelievably supportive resource. Dr Chicoine and his team are one in a million. Their knowledge, expertise and support are unlike any other clinic out there.”

After Jenny’s mother was diagnosed with dementia, Jenny found herself caring for both her mother and sister.

“When my mom passed away and I took over complete care for Heidi, I really depended on the Center. They helped me find living arrangements for my sister at Garden Center Services in Burbank, which was incredible,” she said. “One of my favorite memories of Heidi’s time there was when they held a prom for residents. I never thought I’d see my sister at a prom.” Her days at Garden Center provided her with an enriched life experience that was supported by the excellent medical care she received at the Adult Down Syndrome Center.

Looking to the future

Over the years, Jenny’s involvement with the Center has only grown. She has served on the Council of Advisors since 2003. She’s serving on the Governing Council of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for the second time. In addition, she’s been a vocal advocate for the Center and a generous donor.

“I was very fortunate to have the resources of the Center to support my sister. The team helped us through some difficult times and was always there for us. Up until the morning Heidi passed away last May, we were always in communication working to make my sister’s life the best it could be. She would not have had 61 years of life without Dr. Chicoine and the Center.”

Now Jenny is looking ahead. She wants to ensure she can make an impact for the Center, its patients and their families for many years to come. She decided to leave the Center an estate gift.

“That really resonated with my wish to be able to continue to support the work of the Center after I am no longer able to do so in person,” she explained. “It was a very simple process, and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know I’ll be supporting the work that has made such an amazing difference for my family in the years ahead.”

There are many ways to ensure a legacy of support, from an estate gift to stocks, bonds and mutual funds to charitable gift annuities.

“The Center not only changed my sister’s life, but in many ways, it also changed my life. My involvement with Advocate Lutheran General grew out of that connection. All the various committees I’ve served on and people I have met have allowed me to make a difference in many ways in my own life and for others. It’s been an unexpected blessing and a truly life-changing connection.”

To learn more about how you can make a planned gift, visit us online or contact John Holmberg at john.holmberg@aah.org. Support the Adult Down Syndrome Center’s current $5.5M fundraising campaign now.

“I think sometimes people think they have to give an enormous gift, but that’s not the case,” said Jenny. “The needs of the Adult Down Syndrome Center will probably only increase in the future. Every gift, large or small, can make a huge difference for this unique clinic that we’re fortunate to have in our community.”