Eugenie’s legacy of care
We recently had a chat with supporter Eugenie, to learn about her motivations for supporting Diabetes Victoria with a gift in her will.
Eugenie has dedicated her life to helping people. During her career as a nurse, she cared for people at St Joseph’s Babies Home, Mercy Hospital, and later St Vincent’s Hospital.
A North Fitzroy local for 30 years, she has volunteered at the Neighbourhood House on Holden Street for four decades. By leaving a gift in will to Diabetes Victoria, Eugenie’s legacy of care will continue.
Wishing for a cure
“I chose to leave a gift in my will to Diabetes Victoria because my children are grown up now and my wish is for a cure for the young ones living with diabetes,” she says.
“I hope to see it happen in my lifetime.”
Eugenie managed gestational diabetes during one of her pregnancies in 1998 – 10 years later she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“People don’t understand diabetes, people look at you and there’s stigma,” she says.
“I used to do my injections in the city in the bathroom and people would stare.”
Eugenie volunteered in the Diabetes Victoria mail house and continues to advocate for the organisation today.
“I was folding letters into envelopes in 2001 for Diabetes Victoria and I used to pop into the shop that you had back then,” she recalls.
“I talk to people about Diabetes Victoria’s resources and programs because many people don’t understand diabetes.
“It’s a marvellous organisation doing great work.”
Eugenie keeps busy!
Eugenie has three grandchildren and when she’s not spending time with her family, she is busy volunteering.
“It’s lovely being a grandma,” she says.
“I still volunteer at the Neighbourhood House – I do art on Tuesday afternoon and on Thursday we do cooking.
“Whenever they need me, they will ring me to go and help. I can’t stay home and feel sorry for myself.”
She likes to stay active through walking and practices meditation.
“I’m going to be 75 this year and I hope that I get to 100,” she says.
“I chose to leave a gift in my will to Diabetes Victoria because they have done a wonderful job for people with diabetes.
“I also gave money to Diabetes Victoria while I was working.
“I’ve had a good life and I go to the community house because a lot of people are lonely, and it gives them someone to talk to.”
Eugenie’s bequest will contribute to diabetes research, advocacy, and education programs. A heartfelt thank you from all of us here at Diabetes Victoria and on behalf of the diabetes community, Eugenie, you are wonderful!
Leaving a gift to Diabetes Victoria in your will helps to change and save lives.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way to ensure your loved ones are protected while the cause you care about benefits too.
Request a free, no obligation bequest information pack today:
