Wesley Andrew "W.A."" Dingler (center) with his daughter-in-law Sheila Richie and son Tim Dingler
Throughout his life, Wesley Andrew "W.A." Dingler was known for answering the call when others needed help. As he finalized his will, the Vietnam veteran told his family that he wanted to continue being a helper with a gift from his estate.
He wanted his pristine 2013 Nissan Rogue to be donated to Tanner Medical Foundation to help local cancer patients.
"He wanted it used for someone who needed treatment, who didn't have a way of getting to appointments and couldn't afford to pay for help," said his daughter-in-law, Sheila Richie.
Sheila and Wesley's son, Tim, had helped Wesley throughout his illness, driving him to treatment and his many medical appointments. They weren't surprised that he was thinking of other patients who struggled with transportation, a need that is often invisible to others.
What did surprise Wesley's family was that his gift would be in memory of his late ex-wife, Pat Dingler Driver, who died from breast cancer earlier in 2010.
"My mom actually passed away on my dad's birthday," his son explains. "That was devastating for him."
"She was kind, sweet and would do anything for anybody. Just like Wesley," Sheila recalls.
Throughout Tanner Health System's history, gifts made through supporters' estates have provided vital funding of the hospital's lifesaving mission. Wesley's estate gift will have a lasting impact for countless cancer patients who find the transportation assistance they need so they can focus on healing. Through their gratitude, his legacy lives on.
To learn how you can make Tanner Health System a part of your legacy, like Wesley did, please contact Tanner Foundation at Foundation@Tanner.org or 770-812-GIFT (4438).