By Kathy W. Isdale
Planning ahead is a way of life for Cris Daskevich-perhaps more than most folks. As a senior vice president of Texas Children's Hospital, she's involved every day in planning ahead for Texas Children's Maternity Center and women's services. But she has also made a personal plan for herself and her family far into the future by including Texas Children's Hospital in her will.
Cris grew up in Abilene,Texas, with a strong sense of family, work and responsibility, instilled by her parents and grandparents. She came to Texas Children's as an administrative fellow just out of graduate school 13 years ago and married Phillip Daskevich a few years later.They are now parents of Caroline, 4, and Dillon, 2.
"After our first child was born," she says, "my husband and I decided to write our wills.We sat down with our attorney and started a very thoughtful process.We needed to give guidance and direction to how our children would be cared for, and while we were at it we considered philanthropic gifts we wanted to include. I didn't think twice about it-Texas Children's is just part of who I am."
Cris notes that Texas Children's is the organization that has had the most influence on her, together with her church. "The vision, the leadership, everything about this institution is exactly what I believe in. Every day I feel blessed that I get to go out and make a difference by working here. No matter where I go, I will always want to give to Texas Children's."
And by naming the hospital in her will, she has ensured that she can continue to give, many years from now.