Jan Pennell was a trailblazer, a leader, and a woman whose generosity continues to transform lives. Her remarkable career in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), where she rose to the rank of Wing Commander, was matched only by her enduring act of kindness: leaving a gift in her Will to Children’s Medical Research Institute.

“Jan was one of a kind,” her long time friend and executor of her Will Les shared. “Fiercely independent and fiercely compassionate, she believed in helping others and leaving the world better than she found it.” Jan’s passion for helping others extended beyond her military career, where she saved countless lives through her leadership in disaster responses, including the 2002 Bali bombings. Her commitment to making a difference guided her decision to leave a gift in her will to CMRI, ensuring that her legacy would provide hope and healing to children for generations to come.

“Jan always said, ‘We owe it to children to give them the best chance in life,’” Les recalled. Though she didn’t have children of her own, Jan’s belief in the power of medical research and her compassion for the next generation inspired her to support CMRI.

Her gift is a testament to her values: protecting others, investing in the future, and creating lasting change. It is already fueling critical research at CMRI, helping scientists advance life-saving treatments for childhood genetic diseases. Les reflected, “She didn’t seek recognition, but this incredible act of kindness speaks volumes about the depth of her character. Her legacy is one of hope and possibility.”

By leaving a gift in her Will, Jan has become part of a community of extraordinary individuals shaping a brighter future for children everywhere. Her story reminds us all of the profound impact we can have by including a gift to research. Your legacy, like Jan’s, can give every child the chance to live a healthy and happy life. Learn how you can leave a gift in your Will and join Jan in creating a lasting legacy of hope.