BRISBANE woman Pam Ganly hopes her bequest to the Leukaemia Foundation will significantly support the growing number of Australians diagnosed with a blood cancer.
The 79-year-old retired executive assistant made the gift in her will after seeing the way her parents had supported the foundation since it formed in 1975.
"They were kind people," she said. "Even though their lives had not been directly affected, they understood blood cancers caused devastation for many families.
"They knew the Leukaemia Foundation urgently required funds for research and patient support. They probably looked at me and thought, 'What if that was our daughter?'"
Pam has donated a percentage of her estate to the foundation and hopes it could help fund more free accommodation for regional families who need to travel to capital cities for treatment.
She spoke about her bequest in the lead-up to Include a Charity Week (September 9-15). Nearly 90 charities are behind the campaign, include those that raise funds for medical research, animal welfare, vulnerable or sick children, humanitarian work, the environment and the arts.
Include a Charity aims to raise awareness about the ease of leaving gifts in wills - and their importance.
"I think it's easier to leave money in the estate because it doesn't impact on my lifestyle," Pam said.
"If people are thinking of leaving money in a will, don't be embarrassed if you haven't got a lot to leave. It doesn't matter.
"It's the thought, and every little bit counts. It gives me a good feeling to know I'll be helping after I'm gone."
Many of Australia's favourite charities support the campaign, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service Qld, Salvation Army, World Vision Australia, RSPCA, Guide Dogs, the Fred Hollows Foundation, Starlight Children's Foundation, Australian Red Cross, UNICEF, Greenpeace and the Stroke Foundation.
Find out how you can help HERE