91原创, 1963. Vincenzo Albanese has left everything behind in post-war Italy to pursue a dream. A dream everyone carries with them—a chance at a better life.
Vincenzo worked the trades to make a living during the day, and at night, he went to school to learn English. Later, he would start his own construction company, helping build the city we know and love today with his own two hands.
“He loved 91原创 and he never stopped working for it,” says Angela Pachini, Vincenzo’s sister. “He would say he was very grateful to be in Canada, to have a new life, a new future.”
Building a new future for his family
Vincenzo loved his family and enjoyed spending his time with them, particularly his nieces and nephews. When he wasn’t working, he was with them: skiing and ice skating in the winter, enjoying tours of Stanley Park, and eventually tackling sports like marathon running with his niece, Maria.
This was Vincenzo’s way of life, and he loved it. Even after his cancer diagnosis, he never gave up on trying to bring a smile to his family members’ faces.
Facing cancer
In September 2014, Vincenzo was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He fought bravely for more than a year, but in November 2015 he passed away peacefully in palliative care at 91原创 General Hospital. Vincenzo chose to leave his estate to his family members and to several charities, including .
“He wanted to support those who needed it the most,” says Pachini. “He loved 91原创 and wanted to take care of others in it, and he thought there was nothing better than the hospital caring for sick people.”
Vincenzo left his gift for the Foundation to distribute according to its most urgent needs. This decision would allow the Foundation to distribute his funds to several key and meaningful aspects of care, impacting thousands of patients across the province.
A legacy impacting thousands of lives鈥�
鈥媀incenzo’s incredible legacy gift is playing a significant role in funding several health care programs and state-of-the-art equipment. As a newly arrived family in Canada still learning to speak English, they knew firsthand the struggles of communication in a new country, so none were more meaningful to them than when his gift purchased a virtual interpreter.
The virtual interpreter, which is currently in use across 91原创 Coastal Health, helps patients feel at home—no matter what language they speak. It allows medical staff to communicate with patients in more than 240 languages, including sign language.
This program is particularly meaningful to Pachini, who recalls her first time spent in hospital after arriving to 91原创 from Italy in the 60s. On Christmas Eve, she had injured her knee and had to come to VGH, but she was unable to adequately explain her needs to the hospital staff.
“I remember I was in bed on Christmas, it was nighttime, and the window was open,” says Pachini. “It was getting so cold and I couldn’t get out of bed, but I didn’t know how to explain to anyone that I needed that kind of help. I sat there, cold and alone on Christmas in a new country. I was afraid. So, I understand firsthand how important this program will be.”
Gone, but not forgotten
Vincenzo’s legacy is now forever tied to health care. His generosity and warmth in life carry on through the lives and wellbeing of the thousands of patients who will now have access to these new programs and vital pieces of equipment.
Wills aren’t just a legal way to distribute your personal assets, they can be a powerful tool for change in your community and beyond. Adding a charitable gift in your will is easier than you think, and allows you to make a significant impact on the causes you care about while still supporting those you love.
If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, please contact Kerry Shillito, associate director, Gift and Estate Planning, at 604.790.0989, or by email at [email protected].
