Costs of Caring for Terminally Ill Wife Wiped Out Martin's Savings

"I don't have to worry about anything anymore."

—Martin Morris, age 73
Retired Inspector - Loving Husband - Steadfast Mason

Note: Name changed to protect privacy

At 73, Martin Miller beams as he remembers being named All-District left end on Woodson High School’s 1960 championship football team. His prowess on the gridiron was likely honed at home. As the youngest of 10 children growing up in Woodson, Texas, population 300, he learned to work hard and help carry the load for his family and community.

In 1969, Martin and his young wife, Betsy, moved to Tarrant County, following a job opportunity with the Texas Highway Department.  He worked his way up through the ranks to become an inspector and later accepted the same position with the City of Arlington. During those years, he became an active Mason, joining Handley Lodge, Kerrville Lodge, and Sweet Home Lodge.

With a decent sum set aside for retirement, Martin felt set for his older years. But, nothing prepares a family for devastating illness. Betsy suffered a debilitating stroke resulting in paralysis on the right side of her body.  A few months later, she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

To care for Betsy, Martin quit his full-time job and took part-time positions.  Even with insurance, the costs were overwhelming.  In the five years prior to Betsy’s death, bills resulting from her catastrophic medical conditions wiped out their savings.  With no children, Martin now faced his older years alone and in serious financial difficulty.

With support like yours for the No Mason Left Behind Project, Martin moved to Texas Masonic Retirement Community a year ago. As he says today, “I don’t have to worry about anything anymore.”

The No Mason Left Behind Project helps provide older Texas Masons and their qualified loved ones with all-inclusive 24 hour a day/7 days a week accommodations at Texas Masonic Retirement Community--including medical services and nursing care. The cost of these benefits exceeds $2.5 million annually.

Want to make a personal donation to the No Mason Left Behind Project 2018? You can use our secure online donation service or print out and mail in a donation form. We look forward to paying tribute to your kindness and benevolence. A complete list of recognition awards and amenities is included below the donation buttons and in the online donation form.

Donations from Lodges, Chapters, Councils, OES, and other Masonic organizations make a tremendous difference!
Check our Lodge Donation Summary for more information about donating and recognition for your Masonic organization.

       

Recognition for Your Personal Donation
(Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$50 - $99 Membership Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be  recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$100 - $499 Honor Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$500 - $999 Tribute Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a desktop award for your home or office
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$1,000 - $4,999 Legacy Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a large desktop award for your home or office
• You will be recognized by the Master of Ceremonies at Family Day and on a special major donor poster displayed at Texas Masonic Retirement Community year around
• You will be saluted at this level in a video displayed on the TMRC website, in the TMRC e-newsletter, and on social media.
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

 $5,000 or More - Regency Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a large wall plaque for your home or office
  
• You will be recognized individually by the Master of Ceremonies at Family Day and on a special major donor poster displayed at Texas Masonic Retirement Community year around
• You will be saluted at the highest giving level in a video displayed on the TMRC website, in the TMRC e-newsletter, and on social media.
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

Your donation of any amount is appreciated and helps provide for Texas Masons and their loved ones.

If you prefer to mail your individual donation, just click below, print the form out and mail it back to us with your donation at the address listed at the bottom:

 

 

Amazon Smile Program - Donate With Every Amazon Purchase

Purchase items on Amazon.com and a portion of your purchase can be donated to Texas Masonic Retirement Community. Sign up for the Amazon Smile program and help our residents.

Leave a Legacy - Planned Giving

For more than 100 years, gifts received through wills and other planned giving options have built a tremendous foundation of care for older Texas Masons and their loved ones.  We will be glad to visit with you personally to better explain the many options available for planned giving.  Feel free to call Gary Blair, Superintendent, at 817-275-2893 or send an email to [email protected].

Planned Giving Options:

• Wills
• Life Insurance
• Securities/Stocks
• Living Trusts
• Remainder Trusts
• Charitable Gift Annuities