A Lasting Legacy of Support

Larry "Bru" Brubaker began serving on the Board of Directors for Olathe Hospital in the mid-1980s, taking a break only when his role as an executive at Capitol Federal Savings Bank relocated him to Topeka for 17 years.

When Olathe Health became part of The University of Kansas Health System in 2023, Brubaker shared the vision with other board members that the integration could provide better and more complete healthcare moving forward.

Now retired, Bru is a member of the health system’s advisory board for the Olathe and Paola area and continues to support the organization through generous charitable giving.

"Having good healthcare in a community helps that community grow and become more robust,” he said. “This improves the quality of life for all of us."

When Brubaker lived in Topeka, he had the opportunity to serve on the board for the city’s major hospice provider and hospice house. It was during this time that he developed a passion for hospice care and sparked the idea of having something similar nearby in Olathe in him.

However, it was the people closest to him who truly inspired his giving and continue to compel him to support The University of Kansas Health System.

Brubaker’s father, Harold, who passed away in 2010, experienced end-of-life care through hospice following heart-related health issues. Bru honored his life with a contribution to benefit heart care.

His father’s experience, combined with his passion for making hospice care more widely available locally, motivated Bru and his family to contribute to the creation of Hospice House at what is now The University of Kansas Health System Olathe Campus. Hospice House opened in 2014 with the help of matching funds from Capitol Federal Foundation.

Betty Brubaker, Bru’s mother, who died in 2017, inspired another gift to this special place, including a waiting room bearing her name in tribute in The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Olathe.

And, in 2018, Brubaker’s wife, Vicki, spent her final days with friends and family while she received comforting care at Hospice House.

Brubaker encourages others to give in honor and recognition of their loved ones. With his contributions, not only does he help the community access exceptional healthcare, but in his own words, he can also, "memorialize my love for my parents and my wife."

From memorial donations to events and planned giving, Brubaker’s philanthropic efforts for the health system encompass a wide range of initiatives. He says anyone can become a donor at any stage of their life and emphasizes the numerous options available for charitable giving and volunteerism.

"Giving from your IRA is a great way to make an impact. Plus, there is a mandatory IRA distribution at age 73. Consider giving it to a meaningful nonprofit, like The University of Kansas Health System, to avoid taxes and make a difference," he says.

Brubaker knows the impact of giving because he has seen firsthand how the health system benefits those in need.

"I contribute to The University of Kansas Health System for the good of the community, but I'm also contributing because I know that it's a good organization," Brubaker said. "I, or my family, will at some time be dependent upon their skills to recover from what life gives us."

"Healthcare applies to everyone."

Just like Larry Brubaker, you can help others find comfort and care through The University of Kansas Health System with a gift in your will, from your IRA, or through an estate plan. Start your no-obligation conversation about gift planning by contacting Rob M. Wyrick at 913-588-2800 or FundDevelopment@KUMC.edu.