Footprints. Everyone leaves footprints. Our prints are made by the impression of our lives on the sands of time. A person is remembered for the weight of his or her character. For marks of accomplishment. For shapes of kindness. For length of compassion. For width of personal warmth. For generosity. For values.

When we leave positive impressions behind, we enhance the lives of our friends and loved ones. We give them footprints to follow.

Thoughtful estate planning is one means we have to make a print in the sand, to help others recall our values. For example, consider the effect of a plan that includes not only provisions for family members, but also resources for organizations like the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

1. An estate gift makes a positive statement. When you include MDA in the final disposition of your estate, you declare to your family and friends that you believe in and care about the Association's mission.
2. An estate gift provides needed funding. Estate gifts are especially valuable, not only because they tend to be larger than annual gifts, but also because they often come at critical times. They provide that extra boost to the budget that can make the difference between funding a promising research project or delaying important scientific studies until funds become available.
3. An estate gift encourages imitation. There's something about a well-planned estate gift that influences others to "go and do likewise." As friends and family members plan their own estates, they may recall your generosity and thoughtfulness.

MDA's planned giving team is available to provide you with the information and materials you need to include charitable giving in your overall estate plan. To request complimentary printed material, send an email to plannedgiving@mdausa.org. You can also call (800) 223-6011 to request more information.