Jim Dowling’s Estate-Plan Gifts Will Ensure Future Support of Holy Name

New Jersey native Jim Dowling grew up in Edgewater with parents who were patients of Dr. Salvatore Laraia—who also became Jim’s doctor when Jim was in high school. When Dr. Laraia retired in 2009, Jim was his longest tenured patient. “The overall quality of care has always been excellent,” Jim says. “Nobody wants to go to the hospital, but Holy Name is a nice place to go. The ER and ICU are amazing. A major part is the nurses and how they make you feel comfortable. They are extraordinary.”

After years of support and service as a Board member and volunteer, Jim has included legacy gifts for the hospital in his estate plan by making Holy Name the beneficiary of a percentage of his estate and his IRA. “I’ve been a donor for a long time,” he says. “About nine years ago I decided to become more philanthropic to the causes that are important to me.” Jim has left his gift unrestricted because “I trust the people running the hospital to do what is right with my gift. They will put it to best use.”

When Jim had a pulmonary embolism, he received care at Holly Name. “I got great attention and great results from the primary care to the cardiologist to other specialists and the ICU staff,” Jim says. “Without the treatment I received here, I would not be alive.”

Jim encourages others to consider how they could leave a legacy to support the future of excellent health care in our community. “In my opinion, Holy Name makes a difference,” he concludes. “If someone wants to make a difference with their gift, Holy Name fits in that spirit.”