When Susun Livingston learned she had an advanced stage of ovarian cancer in 2001, her life changed forever. During her clinical trial treatment, Susun heard about the SummeRun & Walk for ovarian cancer and decided to walk the course no matter how long it took her. Amazed at the attendance, organization and excitement around the event, she decided to learn more about the Rivkin Center and get involved.
In 2009, Susun joined the Rivkin Center Board of Directors as a patient advocate. She was honored in 2011 with the Rivkin Center’s Courage of Life Award and was invited to speak at the annual Family & Friends Auction.
“That was a turning point for me. I realized my role as a survivor was to put a face on the disease, and my obligation to help others comprehend the critical importance of investing in research. I knew the Rivkin Center was the team I wanted to be a part of,” said Susun.
Establishing a legacy
Susun had already been thinking about a planned gift for the Rivkin Center when she married Scott, a Certified Financial Planner, in 2015. “When we got married, Scott agreed that in addition to his son, we wanted to leave a bequest to the Rivkin Center. When we spoke to our attorney we referred to them as our son and daughter.”
With Scott’s guidance, they implemented what is referred to as a Qualified Terminal Interest Property (QTIP), which is a trust that provides for the surviving spouse while also assuring both beneficiaries wouldn’t be disinherited at a remarriage or death of the surviving spouse. Susun and Scott are fully committed to establishing this legacy because they know first hand the importance of ovarian cancer research, early detection, and educational programs for women.
Joining the Saul Rivkin Legacy Circle
Donors like Susun and Scott who make a planned gift, such as a bequest to the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer in their will, are invited to become members of the Saul Rivkin Legacy Circle. The Legacy Circle was established in recognition of our Founder and Chairman, Dr. Saul Rivkin, and his relentless quest to end the pain and suffering caused by ovarian cancer. Circle Members help advance the Rivkin Center’s mission to save women’s lives.
To learn more about the Saul Rivkin Legacy Circle, contact Jaclynn Rodriguez, Development Director at (206) 215-6200.