A gift that gives hope for the future.
Having personally experienced the heartbreak of child cancer, Joy Whitley wanted to create something that would help to support families going through a similar experience.
Her bequest to Auckland Foundation means her final wishes will endure – and that families can have hope for the future.
Joy and her then husband welcomed their first and only son Clinton to the world in 1974. Tragically, Clinton was born with Lymphosarcoma – a cancer, which was confirmed when he was just four months old. Their time with their beloved new son was limited, and Clinton passed away at just two years, two months and 10 days.
During Clinton’s illness Joy developed an interest in medical procedures, particularly in pharmaceuticals, and she went on to have a sales career in the pharmaceutical industry. She also dedicated much of her life to helping the Child Cancer Foundation in Clinton’s memory.
Joy went through periods of ill health over the years, and was herself diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in early 2017.
Her wish to support other families coming to terms with child cancer led her to leave a gift in her will to Auckland Foundation, and the establishment of The Clinton and Joy Whitley Fund.
Long-time friend Adele White says, "I have always known Joy as a strong, determined and assertive woman… I particularly remember her love and kindness, and amazing generosity."
Thanks to Joy’s generosity, the fund will support organisations working in paediatric oncology, and give hope to children and their families for generations to come.
If you want to know more about bequests and leaving a gift to Auckland Foundation, please contact us.