Elbert Lamont “Monty” Recoulley loved to joke with people—and he found a receptive audience while receiving treatment for cancer at Duke. A successful businessman who owned Greensboro Vending & Coffee Company before retiring to Wilmington, Mr. Recoulley connected with the doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other care providers he encountered at Duke, entertaining them with his stories and big personality. “He built relationships with his care team over the eight years he received treatment,” his son Mark Recoulley said. “Seeing the same people and being able to make them laugh was important to him—as was the kindness he received from them.”
To show his appreciation, Mr. Recoulley established the Recoulley Family Head and Neck Cancers Fund to help with training, continuing education, and professional development of current and future staff. Mark, a financial advisor, suggested that Mr. Recoulley make his gift through an IRA. By gifting the funds in his IRA, Mr. Recoulley ensured that his family avoided hassles that can come with inheriting money through a retirement account. At the same time, it allowed Duke to receive the most benefit from his gift.
“The gift shows the lasting impact of my father,” Mark said. “It carries on into other families and other generations by helping elevate the already great staff at Duke.”