Jacquie is leaving a legacy of HOPE

photo of Jacquie

In 2002, Jacquie Therrien retired and immediately became a volunteer with the Quebec Division of the MS Society of Canada. A few short years later, her involvement with the cause turned personal.

“In 2005, my youngest was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She was 35 at the time. I knew about MS. I had read about it in books and heard about others living with it, but never thought it would affect us! When this disease impacts a person’s life, it also hits the entire family. Needless to say, from that moment on, I began volunteering, fundraising, and doing everything I could to support MS research and contribute to finding a cure for this disease.” 

Then Jacquie’s daughter’s condition slowly worsened. She could no longer work, nor live alone. Hey daughter and her husband took her under their wing and became her immediate caregivers.

Like all good parents, Jacquie and her husband had previously prepared a will and testament: in the event that both parents were deceased, the assets would be equally divided between the children. But their situation changed, and one daughter’s needs became greater than the other’s. They would have to review their plans and find a notary who was familiar with this type of situation. 

Employees in the MS Society’s philanthropy department gave the couple sound advice and referred them to a specialized notary. “The notary told us about planned donations. The idea had never occurred to me. I thought it was only for the very wealthy.”

But that is not the case at all: it is a great option for anyone! An amount set aside in the will for MS research benefits everyone. It does not take away from the family’s present income, and their daughters will be entitled to the inheritance as well as a donation receipt for a tax deduction. And of course, the planned donation will help advance research, which is so important for Jacquie and her family.

“Ever since, I’ve been telling everyone around me about it, hoping to inspire further generosity among our friends,” says Jacquie. “2020 has made us all reflect on our vulnerabilities. This is such a great way to continue to do good, even after we’re gone.”