Nancy Hill

Nancy Hill’s heart has always known the beat of a joyful life. Growing up in a close-knit Wisconsin community, she thrived on lakeside adventures and active days shared with friends. But in her life’s journey, the rhythm changed, taking on a profound new purpose in memory of her beloved son, David.

“David was my love and my heart,” Nancy reflects. He was incredibly driven and ran his own business in the tech world. However, during the 2008 economic crisis, David’s work became increasingly stressful and demanding. In 2009, David passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest at the age of just 43. His autopsy revealed that his heart was almost completely calcified—a devastating impact Nancy attributes to the toll of stress. Losing David became Nancy’s call to advocate for heart health awareness and proactive medical checkups. “Stress kills,” Nancy says. "You might feel fine, but that doesn’t mean your heart is healthy.”

This mission led her to the American Heart Association (AHA), where, for over 13 years, she has been a dedicated attendee of the Go Red for Women luncheons. Her commitment deepened, and now, Nancy has included the AHA as a beneficiary in her trust, ensuring that her legacy will support a cause that has become deeply personal.

A beneficiary designation gift often involves filling out a form with the financial institution or account administrator and naming the charity as the beneficiary of a specific percentage or dollar amount. The process of designating a beneficiary is often straightforward, making it an appealing option for those who want to include charitable giving in their financial planning. “I want to know that my support will help others understand that health is everything,” she shares. "Even if you look healthy, you may still not know what's happening inside." By choosing a beneficiary designation gift, Nancy ensures that her legacy will directly support the AHA’s mission to advance heart health and awareness.

In addition to her estate plans, Nancy supports the AHA by giving generously throughout the year and taking advantage of matching gift campaigns to double the impact of her contributions. “I always look for match campaigns to maximize my donations,” Nancy says, explaining that she often gives near the end of the year when many organizations offer matching programs. “It’s a great way to make sure my support goes even further.”

Nancy hopes her contributions help others avoid a tragedy like hers. By including the AHA in her estate planning, she’s not only honoring David’s memory but also helping advance heart health for generations to come. “I hope people take advantage of the AHA’s work—go get checked out, listen to your body. It’s worth it.”