1 Phone Call Leads to a Legacy
The first time AAE President Dr. Keith Krell donated to the Foundation for Endodontics, it was out of a strong desire to support his fellow educators. Dr. Krell tells us: "Dr. Torabinejad called me and explained the importance of former full-time academicians…supporting the Foundation so that the funds could be allocated to research and education." He pledged $2,000 before the call was over. Dr. Krell didn't know at the time that he would one day play a much more active role in forming what is now The Jacob B. Freedland Society.
In order to ensure that the future of the specialty remains strong, Dr. Krell launched the I Will Match Campaign, which encouraged Foundation donors to give an equal amount of money to what they'd already given. That campaign sparked the idea for what evolved into The Freedland Society.
"My decision to make a bequest was a very personal one. I wanted to make the gift, and I also wanted to encourage others to join me in doing so. The group of endodontists who had matched what they already had given became the first members of The Freedland Society," says Dr. Krell.
The Foundation has experienced much growth since Dr. Krell made that first pledge. Residents are now making pledges alongside endodontists who are well into their careers. Donors and volunteers are helping the Foundation provide access to endodontic care to those in need. Opportunities for research funding have expanded to include grants for resident research and a new research fellowship.
Even with so many new opportunities for residents, practitioners and academicians, Dr. Krell says the values of the Foundation have remained the same.
"Support for education, research and the desire to strengthen the specialty have always been the Foundation's values. It is my hope that endodontists who share these values join me in making a bequest."
To learn more about making a planned gift to the Foundation and joining Dr. Krell in The Freedland Society, contact Alyson Whittlesey at 800-872-3636 or 312-266-7255 or awhittlesey@aae.org.
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