The combination of basic and clinical research and new technology have advanced the capabilities of thoracic surgeons dramatically over the past two decades. Today, thoracic surgeons can very successfully treat cardiothoracic conditions that were a short time ago deemed untreatable. The financial resources that made these advances possible were most often large private organizations or federal agencies. Within our specialty, our clinical work supported the bulk of research.
Our changing health care environment coupled with radical transformation within industry has diminished those traditional sources of funds. Research and training opportunities for young, talented surgeonscientists have been sharply curtailed.
The specialty and the TSFRE remain committed to research, recognizing that it is today’s research that is the practice of tomorrow. Without thousands of research hours and millions of dollars, new surgical techniques and today’s miracle drugs would remain undeveloped. Hundreds of thousands of lives would be lost.
In that approximately 60 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer remains a very lethal form of cancer, research within thoracic surgery still has much to accomplish. The TSFRE’s partnerships with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Cancer Institute are critically important initiatives to further our knowledge and capabilities against these diseases, while strongly supporting very talented surgeon-scientists within the specialty.
Further, thoracic surgeons, indeed all surgeons, face a changing health care system. The TSFRE recognizes that education plays a vital role in the future of our specialty. Thus, the TSFRE has developed a new initiative that will support thoracic surgeons in acquiring the transdisciplinary skills necessary for success in the years and decades ahead, developed new training programs that will utilize simulation activities for thoracic surgery, and created an emphasis on patient safety within the specialty.
The TSFRE will also remain active in assuring that thoracic surgeons continue to develop the skills necessary to remain in the forefront as health care policy leaders.
Giving Opportunities
Because TSFRE is a charitable organization with IRS 501 (c)(3) classification, your gift to TSFRE qualifies as a tax deduction. For some, an outright gift of cash, securities, or other property is the best means of contributing. Other giving options are outlined as follows:
Gifts of Cash
An outright gift of cash is the simplest method of giving. It is not subject to gift or estate taxes. You may be able to deduct the gift amount from your taxable gross income.
Gifts of Securities or Real Estate*
A tax-wise gift of stock or real estate can provide generous support for the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education. Almost any type of real property — a personal residence, a farm, a vacation home, a commercial building, or a parcel of land — can constitute a gift. Gifts of securities or real estate are tax deductible and free of capital gains tax.
Life Income Gifts
Perhaps you would like to make a significant gift to TSFRE right now but believe that you cannot because you need the income your assets earn. If so, you may want to consider a “life income gift”. A life income gift allows you to donate, yet retain life income for yourself and another, if you wish. These gifts frequently increase your income, save income tax, capital gains and estate tax, and also benefit TSFRE.
Bequests
You may wish to make a gift to TSFRE by utilizing one of the easiest, most frequently used methods — a bequest in your Will. Tax laws favor bequests, and consequently, they are an excellent way to provide support.
If you would like to make a pledge or receive more information about giving to TSFRE, please complete and return the form included in this report, visit www.tsfre.org or call the Executive Director of The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education at 978-927-8330.
Donations can also be made online at www.tsfre.org
*This information is not intended as specific legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney when planning for gift and estate giving. State and federal laws, which govern wills and contracts, vary and are subject to change.
