Giving Back - An Attorney's Involvement with the American Cancer Society

I am fortunate.  I get to give back in some small way each and every day.  I work with some of the best people around, and the stories that my clients share with me enriches my daily experience.  In turn, I am able to create an estate plan that works for that individual’s needs; crafting a plan that provides for my client and enables an easier transition in the time of need.

By using the skills and expertise I have gained over the years, I am able to give back to all of my clients.  But lately, it just doesn’t seem enough.  I want to do more.

And fortunately, I received a phone call from the American Cancer Society.  And I have the opportunity to do more!

Cancer has affected me personally, so the calling was perfect!  I have lost dear friends and close family members to the dreaded disease.  And I have other people close to me who are going through the emotional and physical stresses of fighting the disease.  This is the perfect opportunity for me to give back even more!

American Cancer Society is embarking on a nationwide research study, Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).  The study will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that may cause or prevent cancer.  I have joined the study in two ways.  First, I volunteered to be a Community Champion.  And the second, I enrolled in the study (i.e. to be one of the test subjects).

As a Community Champion, I will be a voice in the community.  I will be one of the people who are able to spread the word on the benefits of the American Cancer Society in general, and to “recruit” people to join in the study.  To be an eligible candidate, the American Cancer Society are looking for men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have never been diagnosed with cancer for the research study

As part of the study, I simply have to complete a survey, provide a blood sample (drawn at the appointment by a professional) and then, occasionally, answer follow-up questions throughout the life of the study (approximately 20 years).

If you, or a friend or family member, have experienced the horrors of dealing with Cancer, this is a way you can give back too.  For those in the Albuquerque area, click here: http://cps3albuquerque.org to sign up for an appointment and to learn more about CPS-3.  For those outside of Albuquerque, you can click here: www.cancer.org/cps3.

For those who decide to sign-up, Thank You!  The American Cancer Society and I truly appreciate this commitment.

For everyone else, find the passion in your heart.  Give to those organizations that fulfill those passions.  There are many ways to give back: Volunteer your time, join studies or groups or simply give dollars to the cause.  Also, remember when you are doing your estate planning to remember those organizations that you support.

I am fortunate to be able to give back!  I hope you will find your area to give back, too!

Contributed by MH New Mexico Estate Planning Attorney James P. Plitz

About Morris Hall:
At Morris Hall, we have focused our legal practice on estate planning for over 40 years.  Along with estate planning, our attorneys help clients and their families with matters of probate, trust administration, wills, power of attorneys, business planning, succession planning, legacy planning, charitable gifting and other important legal aspects.  We also have divisions in financial, real estate and accounting to help you incorporate all of your planning together, ensuring that everything works perfectly for your needs and situation. Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Arrowhead.  Our New Mexico offices are located in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.  Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!

This blog should be used for informational purposes only.  It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.