National Estate Planning Awareness Week: October 19–25, 2026

Gifts made through a financial or estate plan shape the future of youth mental health and protect generations to come. But you may be wondering: how do I include Erika’s Lighthouse in my will, and how should I begin the conversation about planning my legacy?

Laura Geiger, Donor Engagement Manager at Erika’s Lighthouse, helps supporters answer those questions every day.

"When I talk to people about planned giving, I share that it's simply about documenting your values so your vision for youth can live on," Laura explains. "It is an incredible privilege to help donors create a legacy that ensures no student faces depression alone."

Supporter Spotlight: Why Retired Advanced Practice Nurse Linda Monico Included Erika’s Lighthouse in Her Will

Linda Monico, MS, RN, spent her career caring for patients as an advanced practice nurse at Northwestern Hospital and Rush University Medical Center. Throughout her life, she has dedicated countless hours to volunteer work. But of all the causes she has supported, she remains most passionate about Erika’s Lighthouse because of its urgent mission: providing students with essential mental health literacy so they can proactively recognize depression and seek help early.

Q: What has kept you involved with Erika’s Lighthouse over so many years?

Linda Monico: "I have stayed involved for two reasons: my personal relationship with Tom and Ginny Neuckranz, who founded Erika’s Lighthouse, and learning about the deep need for this education for all youth. The more young people we can educate, the better. It is desperately needed."

Q: In your view, what has changed in youth mental health over the last 20 years?

Linda Monico: "Two decades ago, I don’t think people realized how strong the connection was between mental health and adolescence. It is a volatile period in a young person's life—they are exploring and comparing themselves to others. Slowly, people have gotten more information, and our collective understanding of depression has improved. People recognize now that it is a real issue."

Q: Is there a specific moment at Erika’s Lighthouse that stayed with you?

Linda Monico: "Years ago, I was volunteering as a nurse at one of the first Erika’s Lighthouse fundraising walks. I was helping a freshman girl from New Trier High School with a minor injury. She opened up and told me that the year before, neither she nor her parents understood what was happening to her. She felt miserable all the time, and nobody understood what was wrong.

Eventually, this student saw a therapist who explained that she had depression. She told me that diagnosis was a gift—because for the first time, she knew she had something that was treatable, not something she had just made up in her head. She said it changed her view on everything. And then, having Erika’s Lighthouse programs at her school gave her the tools to understand why it was happening. It made her feel so much better about herself—she made friends and found joy again. That was the first time I heard a real story of impact directly from a student."

Q: What inspired you to take the step of including Erika’s Lighthouse in your estate plan?

Linda Monico: "It is simple: I realized the need. I was in a position where I could afford to leave something, so I did. Leaving a gift is a great role model for my children. It’s gratifying to do, and if you can afford it, why not?"

What Is a Will?

A will is a formal legal document that ensures your money, property, and possessions go to the people and causes you care about most. More deeply, it reflects your personal values, what matters to you, and how you want to be remembered.

What Is a Bequest?

A bequest is a charitable gift (or a gift to an individual) made through your will or trust. It is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to leave a legacy gift.

With the help of an estate attorney or financial advisor, you can include simple language in your will or trust specifying a gift to family, friends, or Erika’s Lighthouse. Bequests can also provide valuable tax benefits, such as deductions against the overall value of an estate.

Estate Planning: A Gift to Loved Ones and the Community

Estate planning is about more than finances—it’s about creating peace of mind. You do not need to be wealthy to make a lasting impact. Planned giving is accessible to everyone, allowing you to protect your family, ensure your wishes are honored, and sustain the causes that matter most. At Erika’s Lighthouse, legacy gifts build a sustainable foundation for youth mental health, ensuring every K–12 school has access to free, non-clinical depression education.

5 Questions to Guide Your Legacy Conversations

During National Estate Planning Awareness Week, take a few moments to start vital conversations with your loved ones. These questions can guide meaningful discussions:

1. Guardianship: Who would we want to care for our children (or dependents)?
2. Financial Management: Who would we trust to manage our finances and serve as our financial power of attorney?
3. Health Decisions: Does our medical (healthcare) power of attorney understand our wishes and concerns?
4. Readiness & Willingness: Are our chosen family members or friends aware of these roles—and willing to take them on?
5. Legacy Giving: Which causes, like Erika’s Lighthouse, do we want to support through our estate plan?

Other Ways to Leave a Legacy

In addition to including Erika’s Lighthouse in your will or trust, here are other meaningful, simple options:

• Beneficiary Designations: You can name Erika’s Lighthouse as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), donor-advised fund (DAF), or bank account.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Supporters aged 70½ or older can make tax-free gifts directly from an IRA to support student mental health programs.

Information to Include in Your Estate Plan

If you decide to include Erika’s Lighthouse in your will or estate plan, please use the following legal details:

• Legal Name: Erika’s Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression
• Mailing Address: PO Box 616, Winnetka, IL 60093
• Federal Tax ID (EIN): 20-1069100
• Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Public Charity

We’re Here to Help

If you have already included Erika’s Lighthouse in your will or estate plans, please let us know so we can express our gratitude and welcome you into our Legacy Society.

"We understand that discussing your estate can feel personal," Laura says. "Our team is here to provide a confidential, compassionate space to walk you through options and help you align your values with the work you care about most."

This National Estate Planning Awareness Week, let this be your prompt to take action. Start discussions, gather your financial documents, consult with trusted advisors, and consider including Erika’s Lighthouse in your legacy. Every gift, big or small, transforms youth mental health for future generations.

Visit our Ways to Give Page to download sample bequest language, or contact Laura Geiger at 847-457-0129 / laura@erikaslighthouse.org.