Local Couple Supports Inova through Philanthropy, Volunteerism
Frank Homburger had open heart surgery that saved his life at Inova. His wife, Debbie, is a longtime volunteer. Through generous giving and a charitable bequest in their estate plan, the couple is making Inova part of their legacy.
In 1997, Frank and Debbie Homburger were house shopping when they found a home near Inova Alexandria Hospital. At first, they weren't sure they wanted to live so close to a major medical center, helipad and all. "When we were considering buying this house right next door to the hospital, we wondered if it would be a problemÂ…but it turned out to be the exact opposite," Debbie says.
Through the years, they say Inova Alexandria Hospital has been a "very good" neighbor, and they couldn't be happier with the location of their home. Now, their lives have been so positively impacted by experiences with the hospital system that the Homburgers chose to make Inova part of their legacy through a planned gift
Frank Homburger, who long had a bicuspid aortic valve (commonly known as a heart murmur), which can sometimes lead to aortic aneurysm, saw Inova cardiologists who monitored his condition for years. The doctors watched closely as an aneurysm they observed grew over time.
Doctors explained to Frank and Debbie that any aneurysm larger than four centimeters is considered dangerous, so when Frank's reached six centimeters in 2012, Dr. Alan Spier performed open heart surgery at Inova Schar Heart and Vascular to repair the aortic root and implant a bioprosthetic heart valve.
"They did a bang-up job, and I couldn't have asked for more," says Frank. "I'm not exaggerating one bit to say I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them." After his surgery, Frank simply walked next door to Inova Alexandria Hospital for cardiac therapy sessions.
The Homburgers remain grateful for every chance to give back. "We could give smaller amounts to dozens of charities," says Frank, "but it makes more sense, in my mind, to make larger contributions and to get involved with those organizations that have had a major impact on your life."
The Homburgers regularly engage with Inova through events and educational experiences, and as volunteers, and are long-time Inova Visionaries, supporting Inova with annual financial gifts. This, coupled with their planned gift designating Inova as a beneficiary in their estate plan, conveys their gratitude and ensures Inova has needed resources. "We're at that point in life where we're in a position to give back, and Inova is at the top of the list," says Frank. "They saved my life... that's why I'm so invested in supporting Inova."
What is a charitable bequest?
A bequest is a gift you can make to support Inova Health Foundation's mission in your will or living trust or with a codicil.
Charitable bequest video
Is a charitable bequest right for you?
We have resources that will help you learn more about bequests. Please review our sample bequest language. You will see how easy it is to include a bequest in your will or trust.
You might find it helpful to print this page and the bequest language. Please feel free to give this information to your attorney. If he or she has any questions, please contact us.
Please note: The information above is representative of a typical donor and may or may not be an actual donor to our organization. Since your benefits may be different, you may want to create a printable illustration of your income and tax benefits with our calculators.
