George Markos knows firsthand how exceptional Mass General Brigham’s heart and vascular care is.

In honor of that lifesaving experience, George and his wife, Jill, became active annual donors. And later, when it was time to review their estate plans, they included a gift in their will, extending their commitment to the hospital for future generations.

It all began several years ago when George took a quick run up the stairs at work. His breathing soon returned to normal, but his pulse did not. On his way home that evening, he stopped at a local hospital on the North Shore to get checked out, thinking it would be a quick visit. Instead, he was admitted.

After five days in the hospital, George’s heart rate still wasn’t under control. Jill insisted he transfer to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, now part of Mass General Brigham, where doctors adjusted his medications and performed a cardioversion — a medical procedure that uses quick, low-energy shocks — to restore his regular heartbeat. A few years later, George’s cardiologist — who is now part of the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute — recommended a cardiac ablation to help prevent future irregular heart rhythms.

In the years since this experience, George has continued receiving routine cardiac care at the Heart and Vascular Institute. He says he feels like “a million bucks” and has resumed his active lifestyle, including kickboxing, hiking with Jill, and spending time with his five grandchildren.

Those cherished moments with family, especially their grandchildren, are part of what inspired George and Jill to create a legacy gift. As George puts it, “I want to make sure Mass General Brigham is here for them, too — and for everyone who needs it.”

The Markoses designated their bequest as an unrestricted gift to provide flexible support to meet the most urgent priorities and promising opportunities — a thoughtful way to unlock progress for generations to come. 

“My cardiac care has made an incredible difference in my life — they really are the best in the world,” George says. “And, throughout it all, everyone has been so comforting and caring.”

Take the next steps today to create your legacy at Mass General Brigham, contact the Office of Gift Planning at giftplanning@bwh.harvard.edu or call us at 617-424-4326.