Nancy White: Speaking for the Voiceless

Nancy White's lifelong commitment to Humane Colorado is a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring bonds formed through service. Inspired by her mother's dedicated volunteer work throughout the 1950s at Humane Colorado, Nancy was introduced to her passion for our work at an early age. Through this connection, she learned what it truly means to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

In the 1970s, Nancy started volunteering at Humane Colorado. "I got involved early on, and it became a family passion," she says, reflecting on the years of service that have spanned her entire life. She worked first in intake and later in our surgery release program, where families would return the next day to welcome their newly spayed or neutered pets. After a bit of a hiatus, Nancy returned to us in 2011 and began assisting at our spay/neuter clinics and helping pets recover from surgery. Her volunteer work has enriched not only her life but the lives of the animals and families we serve.

Throughout the years, Nancy has had so many heartwarming experiences, but one in particular stands out. She recalls a sweet, stray kitten who was brought to our San Luis Valley Animal Center and transferred to our Denver shelter. "I remember seeing this little kitten with the most beautiful, unique blue eyes," she recalls. Sadly, the kitten was suffering from a severe eye infection and needed to have both of his eyes removed. Determined to give the tiny animal a second chance, Nancy immediately stepped in to foster (and eventually adopt) him. "I named him Ma'koa– Hawaiian for 'strong, brave, and courageous,' – because he reminded me every day of the resilience we all need," Nancy explains. Today, Ma'koa thrives as part of Nancy's family, reflecting her lifelong commitment to caring for animals in need. This act of kindness illustrates just one of the many ways Nancy has enriched our community and reminded us of the transformative power of leading with compassion.

When it came time to consider her estate plans, Nancy knew there was no place that could honor her legacy like Humane Colorado. "I don't have children, so my heart belongs to [Humane Colorado]," she says. By including our organization in her estate, Nancy has ensured that her generosity will continue to support vital programs such as veterinary services and our community vaccine clinics. Her planned gift is not only a financial contribution but a heartfelt promise to support our vital work for years to come.

Additionally, Nancy finds immense peace of mind in our Pet Guardianship Program. "Knowing that, if I predecease my pets, they will be cared for in loving homes brings me great comfort," she shares. For Nancy, the program is an extension of her care – a way to continue nurturing the animals she loves even when she is no longer able to do so herself.

Nancy's story is a powerful example of what it means to give. Through her decades of service and her planned gift, she has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless animals and the community at large. We hope her journey inspires others to consider including Humane Colorado in their estate plans.

As Nancy so beautifully puts it, "I love the animals, I love the people, and if I can help, whatever I leave behind will make a difference."