Right off the top: A Family’s Legacy of Giving
July 24, 2025
For Diane and Sean McCormick, giving back is deeply rooted in their family values. Diane's parents were lifelong supporters of children's hospitals in Chicago, including through a planned gift. Their selfless giving set an example for Diane and Sean that continues to resonate to this day.
“We’ve both been very blessed in our careers and lives,” Sean said. “We feel it’s important to share those blessings. Giving back has always been a part of who we are, and it was an easy yes when Diane said she wanted to support Children’s Hospital Colorado.”
Firsthand Experiences Inspire Giving
As a preschool teacher in Gunnison, Colorado, Diane dedicated her career to nurturing young children, including students with significant health needs. Over the years, several of her students received care from Children’s Colorado, and those experiences left a strong impression on them.
“I witnessed Diane’s whole career teaching preschoolers,” Sean shared. “She was truly a master teacher for those kids. It made giving to Children’s even more important and wonderful.”
Their connection to Children’s Colorado grew when their grandchild had successful outpatient surgery.
“The care was outstanding, and that experience reaffirmed everything we already knew about the hospital’s excellence,” Diane said.
Carrying on Tradition
Inspired by their personal experiences and a desire to continue a family tradition of philanthropy, the McCormicks decided to support Children’s Colorado through their estate plans. They made annual gifts to the hospital via their donor-advised fund, and a planned giving challenge in 2024 motivated them to do more through a designation in their trust.
“It’s important for us to recognize where the needs are — and where our hearts are,” said Sean. “Setting aside part of our trust, right off the top, was our way to show our kids the value of sharing our blessings beyond family. We know it will do lasting good for Children’s Colorado.”
Like Diane’s parents, the McCormicks are continuing a legacy of giving that illustrates the importance of supporting others.
“We hope [our planned gift] grows and that our kids consider carrying on the tradition of giving,” said Diane. “It may sound cliché, but it’s true: children are our future, and they deserve our support.”
We love Colorado; it’s in our heart and soul. We want to see the good work at Children’s continue, and we hope our gift can make a lasting impact.
Sean