Long-time supporters find a worthy cause in St. Jude

For more than three decades, Dr. Yagnesh Oza and his wife Arpana ran a cancer center, offering hope and healing for countless patients.

Through their work, they learned of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The lifesaving mission, to provide pioneering research and exceptional care to children and families resonated with the couple.

The Ozas have been long-time supporters of St. Jude and sought to make a significant contribution upon retirement. After consulting with their accountant and financial advisor, they decided to increase their support through a St. Jude charitable gift annuity. (CGA).

“I figured this is the best way to give where everybody comes out smiling,” Yagnesh says.

Growing up in India, the Ozas can relate to the story of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, the son of immigrants, who wanted to show his gratitude to the United States by giving back.

“Even though we are from very modest families, we have seen our parents always give as much as they could with time, food, or money, and if they could share with everybody, they did,” Arpana recalls. “So, that’s what we grew up with and our children and grandkids have adopted this part of our lives to give back.”

Every birthday, instead of exchanging gifts, their family donates to St. Jude and other charities.

“Cancer is tough enough for adults, let alone children. The way St. Jude handles everything with human integrity, we admire that so much, and we thought this is the best way to give through an annuity.”

Married for 45 years, the Ozas split their time between Texas and Illinois enjoying time with family and traveling.

Though they have not visited the campus of St. Jude yet, the Ozas hope to one day tour and see firsthand the impact made by their support and support of others who help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

“We know St. Jude is worthy because of their research, and their care to children and families irrespective of their ability to pay, so we did not have to immediately go look at St. Jude,” Yagnesh says. “We know St. Jude is worthy of our donation.”