Oct. 7, 2014
When I was 40, I realized I could live on a certain amount of money and still be more than content. From that day forward, that’s exactly what I did. With every raise I received, I saved my extra earnings. Today, I’m not rich, but I’m able to live comfortably. I’m also able to share some of what I’ve earned with others.
A few years ago, I met with a lawyer about creating my will. “Is there anyone you want to give to in particular?” he asked.
“I would like to give to my profession, because it’s given so much to me,” I said.
He walked me through my options, and I decided to create a trust. I wanted my gift to come off the top so that my family wouldn’t fight over what I’d given them. It’s going to the ASRT Foundation, even if it’s the last dollar I have left. My family will just have to bite the bullet. (They would anyway, because they have always supported me and my sister, a retired nuclear medicine technologist.)
I’ve been involved with the ASRT throughout my entire career. My very first year out of x-ray school, I joined the Akron-Canton Society of Radiologic Technologists in Ohio. From there, I became active in the Ohio affiliate society. I was also very active in other areas of health care. I served on the board of directors for Central Stark County Mental Health for nine years, and I was always a leader of the United Way team when I worked at Aultman Hospital in Canton.
Even as a young girl, I was always active in my church and in the Girl Scouts, following my mom’s example. She believed in helping others. It was just a natural part of my life growing up — you take care of others and you give back.
Living within my means has made it possible for me to help others. Now, I can help people get an education, whether it’s by directly supporting an ASRT Foundation scholarship or donating money to help cover the administrative costs of providing them. So often we forget that these programs need funding to run successfully.
Giving a gift through my will helps me continue my contribution to a profession that has given so much to me. I’ve been granted a remarkable career as a health care provider caring for patients. I’ve also been lucky to meet, teach and serve with so many amazing colleagues. Why would I not want to give back so that others may have the opportunity to do the same?
This article originally appeared in ASRT Scanner, Vol. 46, No. 6, Page 20, with the title “Leaving a Legacy” by Joan Parsons, R.T.(R).