Why I Give: Dr. John Tzucker

Dr. John Tzucker’s journey with Riley Children’s Foundation is much like the Bop to the Top stair climb he’s completed for nearly four decades: taking one step at a time with heart and purpose.

First Step

A retired family physician based in Indianapolis, Dr. Tzucker has called the city home since he was in second grade. His connection to Riley Children’s Health began in the 1970s when he was a student at the Indiana University School of Medicine. During that time, he completed month-long rotations in neurology and neurosurgery at Riley Hospital for Children.

At the end of his rotation, Riley Children’s neonatologist and “Father of Neonatology in Indiana,” Dr. Ed Gresham, asked Dr. Tzucker if he would like to come back for a second month. It was a resounding yes.

“I learned so much. I was going into family practice residency with more sophistication with nurseries and newborn intensive care than anybody I knew,” Dr. Tzucker said. “I don't think even some of our pediatricians had a chance to experience newborn care like I did in the NICU at Riley, because we were at the leading edge of it. That was a great experience.”

Next Step

Years into his medical practice, Dr. Tzucker felt the pull to give back to the community that shaped him. He came across a promotion for the third annual Bop to the Top, an annual 37-floor stair climb fundraiser for Riley Children’s Health.

“It dawned on me, ‘this is your perfect opportunity,’” Tzucker said. “I like to earn the donations, that appeals to me. Friends are like, ‘Wait a minute. You’re going to race up the stairs to earn your donations?’ I found it easy to get donations from racquetball friends and family members.”

In his first year, he raised about $100. This past January, he completed his 38th year of participating and raised a little more than $7000.

“You can fundraise in different ways,” Dr. Tzucker said. “We do the stair climb not because it's easy, but because it's hard, and that every year renews my vigor.”

Lasting Step

Recently, Dr. Tzucker and his wife, Jody, committed to a planned gift after learning about leaving a legacy with Riley Children’s Foundation. By documenting their bequest, the foundation team is able to ensure now their future gift is fulfilled exactly as they intend.

“It’s an intention, but it’s not a contract,” Dr. Tzucker said. “We gave an estimate of what we thought into the future, which is hard, but we thought almost, no matter what happens, we can give.”

Their commitment qualifies them for membership in the 1924 Society, a group that honors anyone who has included Riley Children's Foundation, Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley and/or the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home in their will, trust, or another deferred gift arrangement. Members are invited to recognition events, receive the Riley Kids magazine and other Riley publications.

“I have been to a couple of events, and touring the Riley home was really nice,” Dr. Tzucker said. “But that really has nothing to do with it. My wife and I feel like we're lucky people.”