A Family Legacy for Duke Cancer

Ever since Duke Cancer Institute helped Meg Lindenberger survive breast cancer more than a decade ago, she and her husband, Bill, have been faithful supporters.

“The Bible tells us that what we own on earth doesn't really belong to us. We believe that,” Meg says.

Duke also helped their daughter, Kim, through a breast cancer scare and a decision to have preventive surgery.

“Kim acted preemptively and courageously choosing her surgery,” Bill says. “Dr. Randall Scheri talked with Kim and questioned her to make sure she clearly understood her decision. This is what good doctors do.”

The Lindenbergers established a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) using Individual Retirement Accounts. This gift provides a tax deduction and income payments to the couple and their daughter, while providing substantial future support for cancer research at Duke.  Earlier in 2021, the Lindenbergers made the decision to establish a second CRUT to further support the cancer research cause at Duke Cancer Institute.

“We minimize taxes and maximize the amount of money that will go to Duke,” Bill says. “It gives us a peace of mind that our trust assets will be invested with Duke University’s $8.5 billion endowment.”

“We just can't give enough thanks to Duke,” Meg says. “We feel it's important for our money to go to cancer research. If we can support young, talented researchers who have great ideas, perhaps there will be a cure. Maybe not in our lifetime, but in our children’s lifetimes.”