Parent pays it forward with estate gift

When Martin Kriensky found a spot for his son, David, at Cardinal Cushing Centers, it was one of the best decisions for their family. 

Now, Kriensky is paying it forward and bequeathing 30 percent of his assets to Cushing when he passes. He is one of a growing number of people looking to make a significant gift to Cushing through estate planning. 

“Cushing did wonders for my son,” said Kriensky. “I’ve had a wonderful, happy, 30-year marriage that I might not have had without Cardinal Cushing Centers and I thank them for that. If someone treats me well, I never forget it, and Cushing opened doors for me that wouldn’t have been. It was the best thing for us and for David.”

David, 53, has tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic disorder that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow in vital organs, including the brain. It often results in cognitive, behavioral and developmental issues. David started at Cushing as a residential student in his late teens, in 1989, around the time Kriensky met his second wife, Patricia. They married in 1995. David remained at Cushing until he was 22 and accepted into a then-experimental program in group home living through Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc. 

“He really turned the corner at Cushing,” said Kriensky. “He was better off with his peers and people who were able to help him, and they were spectacular. They did wonders for him, and helped him to become functional. I remember he worked in the kitchen and sold Christmas trees, and he developed a work ethic that today he still has. It was just a good program, and I wish he had stayed on in the Cushing system through adulthood.” 

David is living in a group home in Brockton and working in the bakery department at BJ’s Wholesale Club. Kriensky, who retired from a career in finance, has moved to Ogunquit, Maine and has picked up new work as a firefighter and substitute teacher. In addition to David, Kriensky has a daughter, Michelle, who owns her own hair salon. 

“David and Michelle will be taken care of, but I wanted to make a significant donation to Cushing as well,” said Kriensky. “It’s dependent on the market, but hopefully it will be close to a half-million dollars.” 

Bequests like Kriensky’s are often a preferred means of gift giving, offering flexibility for individuals to retain use of their assets, and make changes at any time. Donors can name a specific amount of cash, all or a percentage of their estate after expenses, or property such as real estate or securities. 

To learn more about the many ways to give, contact Laurie Maranian, Director of Development, at lmaranian@cushingcenters.org or call (781) 829-1247.