A House Becomes More Than a Home with Planned Gift
The first thing most people noticed about Jan Coffyn's Laguna Beach home was the breathtaking ocean view. But, Jan saw more.
There was her late mother, Bette, sitting at the kitchen table with coffee in hand, enjoying the ocean view and planning her day. And, her late father, Charles, a Chevrolet fleet manager, arriving home from work, ready to work his passion, his remodeling project.
"Every piece here is their inspiration. The tiles, the beams. Everything. It has a lot of love in it. They spent three years restoring it themselves and it was important to me to honor their efforts," said Jan. "My family is gone now. And, I'd been concerned about what I was going to do with our home."
Her answer came from an unexpected source.
In 2015, Jan was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Her journey involved many months of chemotherapy and radiation under the care of a UCI Health oncologist. It was not the first medical condition that had tested Jan's resolve. As a child and young adult, she struggled with learning and vision issues. Then, in her early thirties, an optometrist offered an explanation: she had neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissue and other issues.
Jan approached the breast cancer diagnosis in much the same way she had the neurofibromatosis — with determination to live her best life. In early 2016, during a follow-up visit, she received positive news. She was cancer-free.
Jan was able to give time and thought to important matters that she had set aside during treatment — like what to do with the house. "My parents loved this home. Their efforts, what they did, the time they spent — I wanted that to have meaning."
When she learned that she could give her home to the UC Irvine Foundation for the benefit of the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center to improve the health of others, she had her answer. The planned gift honors her parents' legacy and, at the same time, contributes to research and treatment for the cancer and neurofibromatosis that affected her life and the lives of so many others.
After making this commitment in her estate, Jan continued to live a joyful and fulfilling life. She passed away peacefully in 2023 at age 76. In 2024, UC Irvine Foundation received the home that she pledged in her estate. The Foundation sold the property for $7 million, exceeding all expectations, and has since applied the proceeds from the sale to realize Jan's charitable wishes.
Jan's generous and thoughtful gift has resulted in the establishment of two endowed funds. The Charles and Bette Coffyn Endowment for Cancer Patient Support provides assistance to Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center patients who might otherwise be unable to afford lifesaving care. The Charles and Bette Coffyn Endowed Fund for Neurofibromatosis Research and Care supports research, education and treatment focused on improved care for people who live with the challenges of the chronic condition.
"I felt much joy after I made my decision," Jan said. "I have always enjoyed helping people. Making a donation that will help someone, even though I will never see or meet them, is the most incredible gift I can give."
