Cancer survivor makes estate gift, encourages others to become philanthropists

Helen Wilson is an Academic Advisor at Wayne State University, where she supports students on pre-healthcare career tracks. Helen embarked on a healthcare journey of her own in 2004, when, after a diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer, she underwent a lumpectomy in the spring, followed by chemotherapy in the summer and radiation treatment in the fall. In the years that followed after finishing her treatment, routine healthcare visits led to endometrial and colon cancer diagnoses.

“They were all stage 1 – kind of a poster child for early detection,” Helen said. “Henry Ford Health doctors are my heroes.”

The shock of her three separate cancer diagnoses spurred a referral for genetic testing, where Helen learned she carries a CHEK2 gene mutation that increases the risk for certain cancers.

“That’s my journey. I live every day knowing that it could come back,” she shared. “I can’t change my own genetics, but I can help others.”

Today, Helen is a 21-year cancer survivor who made the choice to support cancer patients and cancer research through a planned gift. While selecting organizations as beneficiaries of her will and trust, Helen was introduced to Game On Cancer.

Game On Cancer is Henry Ford Health’s peer-to-peer fundraising program that helps local patients and families with the financial burdens that come with a cancer diagnosis. Funds directly support patients by covering the costs of bills, transportation and food – while also connecting patients with supportive oncology services and access to clinical trials. A portion of Game On Cancer funding is also directed toward cancer research.

With a background in social work and having grown up in a healthcare family – her father, a prominent cardiologist and researcher and her mother a nurse – Helen appreciated Game On Cancer’s multi-pronged support model which helps cancer patients with their day-to-day needs while also advancing future cancer care through research. The program’s mission also hits close to home not only because of Helen’s own experience with cancer, but because of two sisters, a brother, an aunt and cousin whom Helen has also witnessed battle cancer.

“You can’t just do research. We also need to support patients and help them through their journey. It’s not just being there for chemotherapy, medication or surgery – but helping them manage their lives,” Helen said.

Through her planned gift – with funds split between patient care and research – Helen hopes to help build a stronger network of support for cancer patients while advancing future breakthroughs.

“We all can be philanthropists if we see ourselves that way,” added Helen. “I feel that we have to do whatever we can to help people around us. In my case, I’ve chosen to help others fight cancer through my gift. People have assisted me with my cancer journey and it now gives me pleasure to help others with their cancer journeys.”