Father-Son Duo Plans to Leave Legacy at the Lymphoma Research Foundation

Just over 15 years ago, Bob Werner received news that would change his life. His son, Michael, had gone to the doctor to have a lump checked out—a lump that was ultimately diagnosed as lymphoma.

Upon receiving his diagnosis, Michael began researching his lymphoma using sources all around the world. In that process, he found the Lymphoma Research Foundation (the Lymphoma Research Foundation) and got involved with the organization. Michael eventually became a board member in 2007 and chair of the the Lymphoma Research Foundation Board of Directors in 2016, a role in which he served until 2020.

While chair of the board, Michael recruited his father, Bob, to review the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s fundraising model. Bob, a retired engineer and scientist living in Aventura, Florida, brought 45 years of business experience to the non-profit world as a volunteer.

After his review, Bob strongly advocated for creating an the Lymphoma Research Foundation planned giving program as a new addition to the organization’s fundraising efforts. Planned giving programs enable savvy donors to make charitable contributions from their financial or estate plans. It’s also known as legacy giving or gifts from your will.

Today, Bob is a member of the Foundation’s Mason Society for legacy donors.

“I would urge anybody who wants to support the Lymphoma Research Foundation to consider a gift from their will or estate,” Bob said. “Yes, a cash gift is always wonderful. If you can do it now, great—but planned gifts can be a very meaningful contribution that can help support the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s future work.”

“Bob’s guidance and counsel has been critical to the Foundation’s fundraising success throughout the years,” added Laura Wallenstein, the Lymphoma Research Foundation chief philanthropy officer. “The impact he has made on the Lymphoma Research Foundation will be felt for years to come and we are grateful for his continued commitment as we strive to raise more funds than ever for lymphoma research.”

Bob came to the Lymphoma Research Foundation out of concern for his son, but he continues to work with and donate to the organization because of his admiration for the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s impact on lymphoma research. Together, Bob and Michael worked to support Foundation research, advocacy and the Lymphoma Research Foundation Scientific Advisory Board efforts to change lives. Bob hopes his estate gift helps advance cures for lymphoma and ensures a brighter future for other families touched by this blood cancer.

Contact Laura Wallenstein at 917-696-7481 and lwallenstein@lymphoma.org to learn how you can give a gift to the Lymphoma Research Foundation through your will or estate.