by Lisa Lyons

If it wasn't for another doctor's uncertain diagnosis of cancer more than 20 years ago, Temple City, Calif., resident Hilloah Reneau might never have become a major donor to City of Hope.

When her own doctors could not find the source of her abdominal pain, they referred her to City of Hope, thinking her diagnosis might be early stage cancer. But City of Hope doctors soon discovered that a ruptured appendix was the culprit.

Relieved, Reneau was given a clean bill of health, but City of Hope remained on her mind. She recently showed her appreciation for the institution's research and treatment efforts through a real estate charitable gift annuity valued at $480,000.

For many years, Reneau steadily donated to City of Hope through a direct-mail program. However, after recently spotting a gift planning ad in City News magazine, she decided the time was right to consider a major largesse to City of Hope. Soon after, she contacted the Gift Planning Department and discussed her intentions with Senior Gift Planning Officer Jay O'Neal.

The two reviewed different giving vehicles that might be appropriate for her and decided on real estate, since Reneau was anxious to divest a rental property that she had. Working with Gary Schultz, director of Corporate Real Estate, O'Neal developed a proposal and Reneau quickly agreed to the terms, providing a significant contribution to City of Hope.