Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in Canada—but it doesn’t have to be.
This Leave a Legacy Month, we’re asking a simple, powerful question: What if your legacy could help change that?
Legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind. It’s about what lives on because of you. For Canadians who want to make a lasting impact, a gift in your will is one of the most meaningful ways to reflect your values and drive real change in the world.
More Than Grand Gestures
When we think of leaving a legacy, it’s easy to picture famous philanthropists, artists, or leaders who leave behind remarkable contributions. However, leaving a legacy is something each of us can do, regardless of fame or fortune. At its core, a legacy is about passing on what matters to you, whether it’s cherished possessions, assets, or contributions to meaningful causes.
For some, legacy means gifting treasured personal items or assets to family and friends. This can include your home, heirlooms, jewelry, or digital assets like frequent flyer points or online accounts. For others, legacy involves supporting causes that matter deeply to them, ensuring those organizations continue to thrive with the support you leave behind. However, you define it, making a will is the essential first step in bringing your legacy to life.
Common Myths about Wills and Estate Planning
Myth 1: "I’m too young to think about a will."
Life is unpredictable, and having a plan ensures your wishes are honored. Whether it’s your social media accounts, pets, or personal possessions, a will allows you to make those decisions yourself.
Myth 2: "I don’t have enough assets to need a will."
Regardless of wealth, most people have something they wish to pass on, whether sentimental items, savings, or digital assets. A will can provide instructions on how even small items are handled and prevent family conflicts.
Myth 3: "Creating a will is too difficult or costly."
Today, many affordable digital options and legal professionals make will creation accessible. In fact, 21% of younger Canadians who made wills did so with the encouragement of a trusted advisor.
Myth 4: "Acting as an executor is straightforward."
Being an executor can be complex, especially as estates become more intricate. From legal obligations to managing family expectations, the role requires patience and knowledge. Appointing a trustworthy or professional executor can ease the process.
Legacy Is Hope in Action
Every day, the Lung Health Foundation supports Canadians living with asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and other lung diseases. We fund research, deliver life-changing patient programs, and advocate for cleaner air and better care. But we can’t do it alone.
Your legacy gift—no matter the size—can help ensure a future where fewer families lose loved ones to preventable lung disease. It’s a simple gesture that creates a ripple effect for generations.
To make it easier, we’ve partnered with Epilogue, an easy-to-use online platform that helps Canadians create a legal will in just a few simple steps. It’s affordable, accessible, and designed to help you protect what matters most—your loved ones and the causes close to your heart.
A Small Step, A Lasting Impact
Whether you want to support better care for future patients, empower youth with asthma, or help advance life-saving lung research, your legacy gift can bring that vision to life.
So ask yourself this May: What kind of mark do I want to leave?
Then take the first step toward protecting your legacy and helping others breathe easier—literally.