What Is a Living Legacy and Why Does It Matter?

Recently, I was deeply moved by the story of Stanford professor Dr. Bryant Lin, an oncologist who was diagnosed with lung cancer despite never smoking. What made his story remarkable wasn't just his diagnosis—it was his courageous decision to share his journey through "MED 275: From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor's Real-Time Battle with Cancer," a course he continues to teach at Stanford.

Dr. Lin's choice represents the essence of a living legacy: creating meaningful impact while we're still here to guide and shape it. His story prompted me to reflect on my own legacy and what I want to leave for my four children and loved ones.

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What would you want your legacy to be?

This reflection can be both sobering and cathartic, but it's one of the most important conversations we can have with ourselves and our families.

Three Ways to Build Your Living Legacy

1. Create a Charitable Legacy That Reflects Your Values

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Your Personal Philanthropy Account

A donor-advised fund is essentially a giving account established at a public charity. Here's how it works:

• Tax efficiency: As a 501(c)(3), the sponsoring organization manages your individual DAF account
• Flexibility: You can contribute when convenient and distribute grants over time
• Family involvement: Include children and grandchildren in giving decisions

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Smart Giving for Retirees

If you're seventy and a half or older, QCDs allow you to:

• Donate directly from your IRA to qualified charities
• Satisfy required minimum distributions
• Avoid paying income tax on the distribution

For detailed guidance on retirement charitable giving strategies, talk to your retirement advisor.

"I will give away virtually all my wealth through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years to the cause of saving and improving lives around the world." — Bill Gates

Memorial Giving: Turning Grief into Action

When grieving a loved one, consider:

• Creating fundraisers through platforms like Pledge or GoFundMe
• Donating in their name to causes they cared about (research charities on Charity Navigator)
• Establishing ongoing charitable commitments that honor their memory

2. Document Your Legacy: Essential Questions for Meaningful Conversations

The death positivity movement, which you may have heard of, encourages open discussions about death, paradoxically helping us live better lives by removing stigma and strengthening relationships.

These conversations can take the form of legacy wishes or farewell letters  that capture your values and wisdom for future generations.

Getting Started: Essential Legacy Questions
Core Values & Life Principles

• What values have been most important to you throughout your life?
• If your family remembered you for one quality, what would you want it to be?
• What do you hope future generations will carry forward from your example?

Roles and Identity

• What roles (parent, partner, friend, professional, volunteer) have been most meaningful to you?
• How did you try to make a difference in your family, workplace, or community?
• What are you most proud of in your personal or professional life?

Faith and Spiritual Beliefs

• Did your faith or spirituality shape how you lived your life?
• What spiritual values helped you through challenging times?
• Is there a scripture, mantra, or belief that gave you peace or purpose?

Family Stories and Generational Wisdom

• What story from your parents or grandparents left a lasting impression on you?
• Are there family traditions, recipes, or sayings you want passed down?
• How did your family history shape your view of the world?

Emotional Moments & Reflection

• What moments in life brought you the most joy?
• What made you laugh the hardest?
• When did you feel most at peace or most alive?

Giving and Generosity

• What causes or organizations were important to you?
• How would you define generosity in your own life?
• What spirit of giving do you hope the next generation continues?

Final Message & What Matters Most

•  What do you most want others to remember about you?
• If you could leave a message to your children or grandchildren, what would it say?
• What words of wisdom or encouragement do you want to share?

3. Plan Your End-of-Life Care with Intention

The Documentation Gap

According to research from The Conversation Project, while 92%of people agree that discussing end-of-life care is important, only 32% actually have these conversations. Similarly, 97% believe it's important to put wishes in writing, but only 37% have written documentation.

Why does this matter?

Having agency over both our lives and our end-of-life care allows us to:

• Reduce family stress during difficult times
• Ensure our wishes are respected
• Create clarity around our values and priorities
• Leave a roadmap for our loved ones

Take Action: Start Building Your Legacy Today

Creating a meaningful legacy isn't just about what happens after we're gone—it's about living with intention right now. Whether through charitable giving, documenting your story, or planning for the future, you have the power to shape how you'll be remembered.

Ready to begin your legacy planning?

Visit Hello, I'm Dead to start documenting your final wishes and creating a meaningful tribute. Whether it’s for you or for a loved one, beginning today will make tomorrow a joyful,impactful, and beautiful celebration of life.

For additional support, explore our resources or read about legendary legacies for inspiration.

Your legacy is waiting to be written. What story will you tell?

Key Takeaways

• Living legacies are created through intentional actions while we're alive
• Charitable giving through DAFs and QCDs can create lasting impact while providing tax benefits
• Documentation of our values, stories, and wishes helps loved ones understand what mattered most to us
• End-of-life planning gives us agency over our final chapter and reduces family stress
• Starting today is the best time to begin building your meaningful legacy

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