The combination of research and new technology, which go hand-in-hand, have advanced the
capabilities of thoracic surgeons dramatically over the past two decades. Today, thoracic
surgeons can very successfully treat diseases and medical 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 clinical work supported the
bulk of research.
Our changing health care environment and radical transformation within industry have, quite
frankly, diminished those traditional sources of funds. Research and training opportunities for
young, talented surgeon-scientists 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 the thousands of research hours and millions
of dollars, new surgical techniques and today’s miracle drugs would remain undiscovered.
Hundreds of thousands of lives would be adversely affected.
The results of thoracic research ultimately reduce the toll of thoracic diseases and defects. Given
the pervasiveness of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer, today’s research has the potential
to improve millions of lives tomorrow. 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 will
continue to support thoracic surgeons in acquiring the transdisciplinary skills necessary for
success in the years and decades ahead, develop new training programs that will utilize
simulation activities for thoracic surgery, and create 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.
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education is an organization that will
continue to steer the future of thoracic surgery through the sponsorship of surgical research
and the education of surgeons in health care policy. TSFRE is your foundation for the future;
by supporting TSFRE you are investing in the future of our specialty now.
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.
