Linda's bequest honours her three most special men
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Linda lost three of the most important men in her life to cancer: Her brother, her husband and her father.
To honour their legacy, Linda has included a gift in her Will to Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). Here's her story.
"My brother Ian passed from Leukaemia in 1979, just 20 years old. He was a fun loving, healthy young man who rode motor-bikes, lived life to the full and had a cheeky sense of humour.
"After my brother died, Dad's employer, Philips, made a generous donation to ACRF. Dad was so impressed with the organisation that he joined the ACRF board of trustees.
"Dad quickly immersed himself in ACRF. He loved that ACRF specifically funded research equipment and technology. No charity in Australia, then or now, provides this sort of funding for cancer," Linda said.
In 1984 Linda met and fell in love with a 6'5" Scotsman (also named Ian) who later became her husband. She moved to Scotland with him in 1985.
"My husband Ian, and my brother Ian would have got on like a house on fire. They both had a wicked sense of humour. Ian and I had 25 wonderful years together, spanning Scotland and the US, before moving home in 1993. Ian loved Australia so much, he quickly became a proud citizen."
But just when life was at its best, cancer turned Linda's life around for a second time.
"In August 2007, Ian was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiform (GBM), a brain cancer. Three months after Ian's diagnosis, my beloved Dad was also diagnosed with cancer.
"Illness can have a has a strange effect on people. Ian and I were always very close, but his diagnosis brought us even closer. With Dad and Ian both going through cancer treatments, they shared the experience and supported each another.
Tragically Ian left us in July 2010.
"Dad was always a very active, healthy and fit person. He exercised daily and his diagnosis of liver and bowel cancer didn't slow him down. He kept to a strict diet, exercise and stretching regime right up until he passed in September 2012.
"Dad was so delighted to receive an OAM in 2003 for his service to community groups and industry associations. He was an ACRF Trustee for 28 years - a wonderful heritage. We are so proud of him.
"Today I consider myself part of the greater ACRF family. My Mum and sisters and I attend ACRF events and keep up to date with the ground-breaking research ACRF supporters make possible.
"When it came time to update my Will, there was not a question in my mind about leaving a bequest to ACRF. Cancer has touched my life so deeply and I know the impact that this funding will have on advancing research outcomes.
"My bequest to ACRF honours these three special men in my life. My brother, my husband and father. Despite having this horrible disease in common, all three of them were full of life, had a great sense of humour and kept a positive attitude throughout their illnesses. I am so very proud to have been part of their lives.
"I know my bequest couldn't go to better cause or organisation". Linda Boettcher.
Contact ACRF about including a gift in your will for cancer research: Email:bequest@acrf.com.au or Phone: 02 9223 7833 or visit www.acrf.com.au
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