DONOR EDUCATION You Never Know When It Will Happen to You Darrell Pike (Butler) was thankful to walk away from an August 13th helicopter crash at the Greenwood Municipal Airport in Indianapolis, Indiana. Darrell was with his son-in-law's brother on a long-promised helicopter ride during a benefit at the airport that day. In recalling the crash Darrell says, "I remember bouncing into the air and felt like I was in a [clothes] dryer - flipping over - and I remember glass breaking and looking at all this blood." Fortunately, the two helicopter passengers and the pilot were treated and released from the hospital with no long-term injuries resulting from the crash. Darrell Pike with his wife Susie If you have ever experienced a close call like Darrell's, it makes you think twice about being sure your affairs are in order, just in case something DOES happen and you aren't able to walk away. Fortunately 54-year-old Darrell had his estate in order prior to the crash. He says, "I was glad that I had taken the time with my wife several years ago to set up our estate plans to make sure everything would be in order. Even though we are very busy people, taking time to do our estate planning was well worth it. I know that my family is not only protected but also that my assets will be directed according to my wishes." Having an estate plan that is updated whenever major life changes occur (such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death of a spouse), can give you great peace of mind that your affairs will be taken care of the way you desire and that your surviving family members will be spared the additional grief, expense, and time in the courts settling your estate. In addition, through your estate plan, you can also provide for the non-profit organizations you care about in a way that benefits your heirs and the organization. There are all types of excuses to avoid estate planning. "There will be plenty of time to do it later." "I don't have enough assets." "My family members will carry out my wishes." Another reason that many people procrastinate is because they don't want to have to think about the uncomfortable topic of their own demise. In the end, having an estate plan is one of the simplest ways to spare your family members from the heartache and expense of settling your estate in the courts after you are gone. While you may not be able to predict when or how you will die, it is important to plan for the future. At the very least you will know that your family, loved-ones and favorite charities are being treated as you desire. So, take a few minutes to review your estate plans and be sure you have an updated Will. If you would like to learn more about including Sigma Nu in your estate plans, visit our website or contact James Owens at 1-888-236-5323.