Wafa Nasser, MD, has been with Cincinnati Children’s since 1981. Despite being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy during medical school, she persevered and completed her residency here with a focus on child health.

“I faced many challenges as a resident. Not just the typical mental challenges that come with medical training, but physical obstacles as well,” Nasser says. “At the start of my career I could walk independently, but as my disease progressed and my muscles weakened, I began using a motorized scooter. That way, I could stay mobile and keep seeing patients.”

Currently a primary care physician at our Florence location, Nasser has had to do a lot of work to adjust to life on a scooter. This included hiring an architect and builder to make her home accessible. But at work, she’s always felt grateful for an employer who accepts her and supports her.

“When my little patients ask, I let them know in the simplest terms why I’m riding a cool scooter and explain that even though I can’t stand, walk or run, I can still be their doctor,” Nasser shares. “I want to teach them that despite some limitations, they can find happiness by focusing on their strengths and pursuing their dreams, just like I did.”

Inspired by the employee family who supported her, Nasser recently decided she wanted to give back to the medical center and make an even greater impact for the kids in our care than she already has. She did this by joining the William Cooper Procter Legacy Society, which celebrates those who provide for Cincinnati Children’s as part of their estate plans.

Procter, the grandson of the co-founder of Procter & Gamble, gave a transformational gift to the medical center in the 1920s—it set us on our trajectory to become one of the most innovative and respected pediatric hospitals in the world.

“Without philanthropy, we wouldn't be who we are today,” says Steve Davis, MD, Cincinnati Children’s president and CEO. “The generous donation that William Cooper Proctor made over 100 years ago to establish the Research Foundation is one of the things that sets us apart from other children's hospitals.”

Tax-friendly ways you can make a lasting impact at Cincinnati Children’s include making a bequest in your will or trust, naming Cincinnati Children’s as a beneficiary in your IRA, 401K, life insurance or other retirement assets. Charitable trusts are another way.

Employees can also give back by joining Davis as a member of our Schubert Society. William Schubert, MD, dedicated his life to healing children at the hospital. He was also a beloved leader and generous donor to Cincinnati Children’s. In tribute, our employee giving society bears his name.

Colleagues who donate $1,000 or more in a fiscal year are inducted into the Schubert Society. Ways to give to the Schubert Society include payroll deduction, credit card, and tax-smart gift planning.

“There are many ways to give,” Davis says. “And people sometimes think that giving a small amount of money doesn't have an impact. But it does. Every dollar helps. And every employee who gives helps.”

Members of the William Cooper Procter Legacy Society and the Schubert Society can choose exactly which program or division they want to support with their gift. Nasser is designating hers to Neurology to help children with physical disabilities.

“I want to be remembered as a woman who achieved beyond what anybody would have ever expected with my physical challenges,” Nasser says. “Cincinnati Children’s helped me do that. They gave me so much and accepted me freely. Now, it’s my turn to give.”