Gene-Marie Sperduti considers herself an “accidental nurse.” Her ultimate goal was to become a history teacher, but at her mother’s suggestion, she attended nursing school, which sparked an interest in trauma and intensive care, and led to a 40-year career as an anesthesia nurse.

Gene-Marie’s time as a nurse cemented her belief in the importance of giving back, and inspired her involvement with the Nurses’ Health Study­­­­—first as a participant and then, ultimately, as a benefactor when she left the study in her estate plans.

Led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Nurses’ Health Study is among the largest-ever investigations into women’s risk factors for major chronic diseases. Gene-Marie was thrilled to be offered the chance to participate, and equally impressed to see the far-reaching impact of the study, considered one of the most significant inquiries ever conducted on women’s health.

So instead of teaching history, Gene-Marie has become part of it.

Gene-Marie’s involvement in the Nurses’ Health Study began in 1983 as part of its second cohort. She believes the breakthroughs enabled by the study are crucial to the future of healthcare—and knows the important role that donors like her play in continuing to fund this work.

With this in mind, Gene-Marie decided to include the study in her estate plans. To honor her bequest, the Brigham welcomed her into the Brigham Legacy Society, which celebrates supporters who make a planned gift to the hospital.

Gene-Marie views good health as essential to a society’s well-being, and has seen firsthand how the study’s findings on nutrition and lifestyle are shaping national guidelines for healthy living. She also realizes that additional questions will arise from this research, further solidifying the need for philanthropy.

Gene-Marie’s story is a testament to the power of unexpected paths and the profound impact one person can have on the world. Her gift will help the Nurses’ Health Study discover new ways to prevent the world’s most devastating chronic illnesses.

“I’ve always felt that anyone who can, has a responsibility to make a contribution to the betterment of all,” Gene-Marie says.