Ellen and Blaise Doremus

Pictured: Brigham Legacy Society member Donna Royer and her late husband, Tom.

Donna’s Brigham connection began many years ago when she and her late husband, Tom, were searching for a hospital known for its breast care program. Acting on a recommendation, they found the Sagoff Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Center at BWFH and were impressed by its excellent reputation. Donna was deeply appreciative of the time her physicians spent going over her tests, answering her questions, and addressing her concerns.

“The Sagoff Center was the only place that gave you [mammography] test results right away, which was impressive,” Donna remembers. “We found it to be a very caring place.”

Though Donna never showed signs of breast cancer, she recalls how Tom recognized the toll that a diagnosis can take on families. He was grateful for the exceptional care his wife received.

“Tom was always supportive in anything I did,” Donna says. “He had an understanding of how important preventive measures were.”

The couple’s tradition of generosity inspired their decision to make an estate gift to the Brigham.

“It’s important that people get the care they need, when they need it,” Donna says. Her hope is that this gift will advance breast cancer treatments and make preventive measures more accessible.

In recognition of this thoughtful gift, the Royers were welcomed into The Brigham Legacy Society, which celebrates those who have included the hospital in their estate plans.

Today, Donna appreciates her well-being and an energetic lifestyle—making wreaths and flower arrangements, Lebanese cooking, and playing with her puppy. She enjoys a happy, healthy life, and knows that excellent care will always be available at the hospital for her and for others, for generations to come.

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