Elaine J. Stevenson: A Gift That Keeps Giving

Elaine J. Stevenson was diagnosed with rectal cancer at age 45. Despite a family history of cancer, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation and a highly invasive surgery, she never stopped planning for the future.

“I never thought I was going to die,” she said. “But I made the decision that after the surgery, I would do everything I wanted to do in my lifetime.“

Her cancer surgery was successful but involved a long, painful recovery. Upon retirement, Stevenson moved from Massachusetts to East Boothbay, Maine. Having been drawn to the water all her life, she had always wanted to get her captain’s license and own a boat. She did both.

As Stevenson reflected on her experience as a cancer survivor, she felt compelled to make a difference in the lives of other cancer patients—particularly around prevention and earlier detection methods that might spare others from painful surgeries and long recoveries. That’s when she thought of The Jackson Laboratory.

“I always felt that I would like to give back to future generations, and I thought [a planned gift to JAX] would be the ideal way to do it.”

She connected with Dr. Edison T. Liu, JAX professor and president emeritus, who shared the research JAX scientists pursue at its National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center. Stevenson came away from that conversation inspired.

“I said to myself, ‘that’s where I want my gift to go.’”

Stevenson’s estate gift will create an endowment that lasts in perpetuity. She continues to plan for the future—her own, and that of others facing a cancer diagnosis.

“I’m so grateful to have had the last 23 years cancer-free, and I am so grateful to be able to do this, not only for JAX, but for the patients who will benefit.”