Envisioning a healthier future

Greg and Harriet Boyko made their planned gift to The Jackson Laboratory with an eye toward the future — not just their own, but also advancements yet to come for human health. 

“I’m not a scientist, but I am a former [baseball] outfielder,” said Greg, a retired financial and insurance executive who continues to serve on several international service boards. “I know where the ball is going to land. And I believe that when it comes to human health, genetics and genomics will be key in terms of better medicine and reduced suffering.” 

The Boykos, who live in Connecticut, were inspired to concentrate on two specific issues as they considered their legacy: mental health problems and neurodevelopmental disease, as they have a history of such conditions on both sides of their family. Their gift to the Rare Disease Translational Center, with a special focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, will do just that.  

They were motivated in part by curiosity about diseases that appear in certain generations or family members but not in others. With family histories of depression and anxiety, plus other ailments like cancer, diabetes and obesity, The Boykos wondered: Why aren’t we suffering in the same ways?  

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we are all genetically predisposed to certain physical and mental conditions,” Harriet said. “Even if our gift supports an infinitesimal discovery at JAX that helps people answer the questions of ‘why’ and ‘how come,’ we’re happy with our decision to support that work.”

"I believe that when it comes to human health, genetics and genomics will be key in terms of better medicine and reduced suffering."

Harriet's mother had depression and died of ovarian cancer. Greg's father, a sergeant under Gen. George Patton in World War II, returned from battle with what he believes was a form of post-traumatic stress disorder.  

The couple’s planned gift will establish an endowed fund named in honor of both sets of their parents. The Boykos hope their gift will lead to new discoveries in the lab and new awareness of our genetic makeup that will inform better health decisions.  

“There’s no such thing as bad information,” Greg said, “but I’m a big fan of information that is actionable.”  

To that end, he and Harriet believe that JAX research will lead to better understanding of the conditions that could affect us throughout our lives. And with that understanding, people can take action and create positive ripple effects that extend to their families, friends and society as a whole.   

“The decision to support JAX in our estate plan was an easy one,” Harriet said. “We stand in awe of what you do. And if we can help in the smallest way, we're proud that we can.” 

This article is part of JAX’s 2024 digital impact report, an annual celebration of the power of philanthropy in accelerating our mission to improve the future of human health.