"Texas Children's Believed in Me"

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Fernbach

Mrs. Freddie and Dr. Donald J. Fernbach

By Kathy W. Isdale

Dr. Donald J. Fernbach joined Texas Children's Hospital as a firstyear resident in 1954 and quickly emerged as a major force in its success.

His commitment to finding new ways to heal sick children has been fundamental to the hospital's phenomenal growth. Now his foresight and generosity will support oncology and hematology research atTexas Children's in the future through the charitable gift annuity that he and his wife, Freddie, recently established.

Entering the medical profession when pediatrics was in its early years and hematology and oncology were studied as part of pathology, the man whose efforts and vision instituted the program that has become Texas Children's Cancer Center was truly a pioneer. Among Dr. Fernbach's accomplishments:

  • First in Houston to use the plastic blood-bagging system.
  • One of the first anywhere to use blood component therapy for children.
  • Performed in 1959, with the late Dr. John Trentin, the first bone marrow transplant of its kind-from one twin to the other to treat aplastic anemia.
  • Led the team that discovered the value of cyclophosphamide, which has become one of the most effective and widely used chemotherapy agents for adults as well as children.
  • Was one of the founders of the Pediatric Oncology Group, known today as the Children's Oncology Group.
  • Coedited the first multidisciplinary text on pediatric cancer, which became the acknowledged text in the newly recognized specialty of pediatric hematology-oncology.
  • Instigated the movement to make the Texas Medical Center a smoke-free community.
  • Set the wheels in motion to found Ronald McDonald House Houston, one of the earliest in the country.
  • Led the effort to require screening of all newborns in Texas for hemoglobin defects including sickle cell disease.

"When I was finishing my training," Dr. Fernbach says, "there were few places that had a pediatric hematology service. Texas Children's had the foresight to see this was an up-and-coming area and offered me the opportunity to start my own service.Texas Children's believed in me and for that I am grateful."

Now he and Freddie, his beloved wife, partner and cheerleader of 54 years, have contributed for a charitable gift annuity to benefit Texas Children's in appreciation of what working at the hospital has allowed him to accomplish.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

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A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Texas Children's Hospital a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Texas Children's Hospital, a nonprofit corporation currently located at Houston, TX, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

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cannot be changed or cancelled

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the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

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Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Texas Children's Hospital as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Texas Children's Hospital as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Texas Children's Hospital where you agree to make a gift to Texas Children's Hospital and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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