Giving with Intention

David Brumbaugh, MD, arrived at Children’s Hospital Colorado in 2000 for his residency in general pediatrics, later serving as Chief Resident and, eventually, completing a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology. Today, he serves as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). He actively sees patients today because caring for families is what drew him to Children’s Colorado in the first place.

Over more than two decades, he’s watched pediatric healthcare evolve at breathtaking speed: cystic fibrosis patients who once filled hospital beds now live fuller lives at home thanks to transformative therapies. Genetic and cellular treatments are changing the course of rare diseases. Precision medicine is turning once-mysterious conditions into clear diagnoses that guide real-world care and even cures.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs

Dr. Brumbaugh will be the first to tell you that Children’s Colorado team members are the heart of the hospital’s mission, giving so much of themselves every day. He also knows firsthand how philanthropy accelerates innovation, expands access and improves outcomes.

With five kids, including two in middle school, two in high school and another in college, Dr. Brumbaugh applies his tax-savvy approach to philanthropy through stock gifts by supporting the Precision Medicine Institute (among other areas), which is one of seven areas that qualify for the Colorado Enterprise Zone tax credit.*

Note: Outright gifts and gifts of stock made to these areas through the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation may qualify for additional Colorado income tax credits, which can help donors make a greater impact with their philanthropy. The availability of the Enterprise Zone tax credit is subject to change at any time. There is no guarantee the tax credit will continue to be available in future years.

Precision Medicine is Today’s Medicine

As CMO and an executive sponsor for the Precision Medicine Institute, Dr. Brumbaugh is committed to helping the hospital integrate genomic insights and next-generation therapies into everyday medicine. What once took years and billions of dollars can now be done in hours, allowing care teams to name and understand conditions that were once medical mysteries and to guide families through every step of the journey.

“Gene editing was theoretical when I trained in medical school; now it’s real,” said Dr. Brumbaugh. “We can precisely identify conditions that were previously mysteries — hugely important for families who wonder if they did something wrong. Philanthropy helps us advance both the science and even the practical pieces, such as educational materials for families on how to talk to relatives, friends and schools about a genetic diagnosis.

Give Where Your Inspiration Lives

Motivation to give back can come from anywhere. For Dr. Brumbaugh, one of the most inspiring examples of philanthropy was a donation to Children’s Colorado from his longtime colleague and mentor, Barton Schmitt, MD, and his wife Mary. Their generous gift was made in support of the Medical Career Collaborative, a paid summer program that opens healthcare careers to promising high school students from low-income families.

“Dr. Schmitt looked upstream and widened the medical talent pipeline with his generosity,” Dr. Brumbaugh said. “That kind of gift helped students gain experience without giving up their needed income, which is a practical barrier that too often closes doors. That kind of generosity shapes the future of care and was the inspiration I needed to plan my gifts of stock shares.”

Dr. Brumbaugh’s story is a reminder that inspiration lives in many forms — a personal experience, a program that aligns with your passions or a mentor whose philanthropy sparks your own. Each offers a meaningful entry point to make a difference.

The information represented is of a general nature and should not be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Every taxpayer’s situation is different. The descriptions and examples provided may not be applicable to every taxpayer’s specific circumstances, which could require the consideration of other tax and non-tax factors. Please consult a tax advisor prior to taking any action based on this information.