Tom Huller *

Detecting a way to Pay it Forward

After a long and exciting career with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), it wasn't police work that put Lieutenant Thomas P. Huller at risk-it was his own heart.

Tom was 64 years old and experiencing difficulty with his breathing - even while taking a casual walk through his neighborhood. So he wisely used his detective skills and determined that a trip to his doctor was in order. His doctor sent him straight to the emergency room at St. Francis Hospital, one of the top cardiac hospitals in the country. Tom says, "The decision to go to St. Francis was a godsend." To this day, Tom recalls his experience as an open-heart surgery patient as a very positive one and credits the team of dedicated doctors at St. Francis Hospital with saving his life.

As his career choice suggests, Tom has always placed a great deal of value in giving back to his community. Tom's giving, however, didn't end when he retired from the NYPD. Shortly after his cardiac surgery, Tom made his first donation to St. Francis Hospital, and continues to give today - even including St. Francis Hospital in his will.

When Tom learned that St. Francis Hospital offers charitable gift annuities he consulted with his financial advisor who agreed that a gift annuity with St. Francis was a good choice for him.

Tom always thought it would be great to be in a financial position to support the causes that are closest to his heart. "I think there are many people who want to support the things they care about, but don't know that they have the means to make it happen," he says. "I'm glad I've found an easy way to make a meaningful gift that supports something as worthwhile as St. Francis Hospital."