Dr. Jay Epstein

On "Why I Chose John C. Lincoln Legacy Society"

Dr. Jay Epstein was a brand-new doctor back in August of 1963, when he set up shop in Phoenix. He had just finished his OB/GYN residency. In the 44 years since, Dr. Epstein has delivered more than 4,000 babies, provided care for many thousands of women, and volunteered on more medical staff committees than he can count.

The Brooklyn native has friends and colleagues all over the country, but he is best known around John C. Lincoln Health Network, where he is one of the physicians holding staff privileges the longest. Dr. Epstein has seen John C. Lincoln from just about every angle there is: he’s worked here, been a patient here and he’s volunteered here. He’s also a very generous donor here.

"I believe in John C. Lincoln," he says. "The organization is solid, and the care is outstanding. A not-for-profit hospital that serves the community like this one does is a rarity, and one that I want to support.

The Epsteins: Dee, Jay and Murphy

"I choose the organizations I support very carefully. I've observed and been a part of John C. Lincoln for more than 40 years, and I've had an up-close view. John C. Lincoln meets the requirements I set for any organization I support. The money I donate will be spent with care.

"Most people feel they never have enough assets to give to charity following their death, and they just want to pass on the assets to their family. But most of us, with some careful planning, can share our assets with causes we believe in. That’s a way we can make a real contribution to our community, by sharing our assets with an institution like John C. Lincoln—it will go on into the future, providing health care and community services for the next generation," he says.

Dr. Epstein says John C. is one of his "five majors," when he lists organizations he supports.

"I support my college, my medical school, and religious organizations, in addition to John C. Lincoln."

Dr. Epstein and wife, Dee, made the Lincoln Legacy Society a part of their estate planning. "There are certain tax benefits to donors, but without them, I’d still make John C. Lincoln a part of my estate plan," he says.

"I believe in the organization and the people who are part of it, and I want to support their work long after I’m gone. I’ve made sure that will happen through the Lincoln Legacy Society."