National Estate Planning Awareness Week

National Estate Planning Awareness Week: October 20–26, 2025

Gifts made through a financial or estate plan shape the pediatric care of tomorrow and impact generations to come. But you may be wondering: how do I include Lurie Children’s in my will, and how should I begin the conversation about planning my legacy?

Kevin Longstreth, Associate Director of Legacy & Leadership Giving at Lurie Children’s, helps families answer those questions daily. “When people ask me what I do for a living, I say I help people feel good about the future. I help them document and share their values so their wishes can live on after they pass,” Kevin shares. “It’s a privilege to create legacies for those who want to provide hope and healing to Chicago’s children and families through Lurie Children’s.

What Is a Will?

A will is a formal legal document that ensures your money, property, and possessions go to the people and causes you care about. More deeply, it reflects your values, what matters most to you, and how you want to be remembered.

What Is a Bequest?

A bequest is a charitable gift (or a gift to an individual) made through your will or trust. It is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to make a legacy gift.

“With the help of an advisor — or even an online resource like FreeWill — you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to family, friends, or Lurie Children’s,” Kevin explains. “Bequests can also provide tax benefits, such as unlimited deductions against the value of an estate.”

Estate Planning: A Gift to Loved Ones and the Community

Estate planning is more than finances; it’s about creating peace of mind. You don’t need to be wealthy to make a lasting impact. Planned giving is accessible to everyone, allowing you to protect your family, ensure your wishes are honored, and support the most important causes. At Lurie Children’s, legacy gifts help build a safety net for children and families, ensuring no child is turned away because of financial constraints.

5 Questions to Guide Your Legacy Conversations

During National Estate Planning Awareness Week, take a few moments to start vital conversations with your loved ones. These questions can guide meaningful discussions:

1. Guardianship: Who would we want to care for our children (or pets)?
2. Financial Management: Who would we trust to manage our finances and serve as our financial power of attorney?
3. Health Decisions: Does our medical (healthcare) power of attorney understand our wishes and concerns?
4. Readiness & Willingness: Are our chosen family or friends aware of these roles — and willing to take them on?
5. Legacy Giving: Which causes, like Lurie Children’s, do we want to support through our estate plan?

To make it easier to begin, Lurie Children’s has partnered with FreeWill, a secure online tool that lets you create a legally valid will — in under 20 minutes, at no cost.

Other Ways to Leave a Legacy

In addition to including Lurie Children’s in your will or trust, here are other meaningful options:

• Beneficiary Designations: You can name Lurie Children’s as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), donor-advised fund (DAF), or even your bank account.
• Life Income Gifts: Tools such as charitable gift annuities offer you a fixed income stream for life while ultimately benefiting Lurie Children’s and may also provide tax advantages.

Information to Include in Your Estate Plan

If you decide to include Lurie Children’s in your will or estate plan, please use the following legal details:

Legal Name: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation

Mailing Address: 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 4, Chicago, IL 60611

Federal Tax ID (EIN): 36-3357006

Also, feel free to notify the Legacy Giving team so they can better honor your intentions. “We understand that discussing your estate can feel personal,” Kevin says. “Our team is here to provide a confidential, compassionate space to walk you through options and help you align your values with the areas of the hospital you care about most.”

This National Estate Planning Awareness Week, let this be your prompt to take action, even if it’s just the first step. Start discussions, gather your financial documents, consult with trusted advisors, and consider including Lurie Children’s in your legacy. Every gift, big or small, can transform pediatric care for future generations.

We'd be honored to support you if you’d like help drafting your will language or exploring your giving options. You can contact our Legacy Giving team with any questions.