As psychosocial health care professionals, Child Life Specialists are trained in child development, family systems, and evidence-based supportive interventions, making them indispensable members of the pediatric health care team. At Banner Children’s, these professionals create a comforting environment, aiding in the overall healing process and enhancing the quality of life for young patients.

“When your child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it is a life-changing event,” explains Shelly, the mother of a teen treated for cancer at Banner Children’s at Thunderbird. “Learning how to cope through it and stay positive are things I couldn’t imagine doing without the love and support of programs like Child Life. From a parent’s perspective, Child Life is like an extension of our family. They are there for our daughter, helping her carry the torch while we are working on keeping it lit. It is the truth that no one fights cancer alone. And among our team of warriors, Child Life holds a very mighty sword. We couldn’t imagine going through such a war without them by our side.”

Funded largely through philanthropic support, Child Life has teams at three Banner Children’s Medical Centers in Mesa, Glendale and Tucson and at Banner Ironwood Medical Center in Queen Creek, AZ.

Set by the American Council on Gift Annuities, payout rates are at their highest in 16 years, making now a great time to consider this gift that benefits you and the Banner Health Foundation.

Gift annuity rates are highest in 16 years

2024 is giving new reasons to consider a charitable gift that also pays you: a charitable gift annuity.

Set by the American Council on Gift Annuities, payout rates are at their highest in 16 years, making now a great time to consider this gift that benefits you and the Banner Health Foundation. This gift instrument provides you with stable, regular income, regardless of the economy. After your lifetime, the remaining amount becomes part of your legacy at the Foundation, allowing us to support vital health care programs and services well into the future. You can even designate today how you want the gift put to use in the future.

Here’s how it works: you agree to make a gift to the Foundation and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount for the rest of your life. Your gift is invested to grow over time and upon your passing, the Foundation receives the balance.

Honor your hero for Doctors’ Day, March 30

National Doctors’ Day is a chance to recognize and thank physicians for their contributions to society and specifically, to our Arizona communities. From late-night emergencies to specialized surgeries for complex medical conditions to primary care for patients from all walks of life, our physicians work tirelessly to deliver health and healing to every patient in their care.

You can express your gratitude for the compassionate physicians at Banner Health. Recognize those who have made a meaningful difference for you or a loved one through the Banner Health Hero program’s special Doctors’ Day opportunity. With a tax-deductible donation to the Banner Health Foundation in your physician’s honor, we will present a special lapel pin to your physician hero, along with a note of thanks from you.

Betzabeth Parra became a patient of Dr. Farouk Mookadam, who affirmed her suspicions about the correlation between her previous cancer treatment and her current cardiac problems.

“He knew that I needed immediate attention; he knew exactly what I needed,” Betzabeth says. “Dr. Mookadam made everything make sense. I thought: ‘I’m going to be taken care of. I’m going to be okay.’”

In 2021, Betzabeth had a heart valve replaced and underwent open heart surgery and today, she feels great.

Upcoming Activities & Announcements

Board of Visitors Care Card generates $210,000 for The Big Pink Bus

The Banner Health Foundation received $210,000 in proceeds from the Board of Visitors 2023 Care Card program. The funds will support The Big Pink Bus, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center’s new 3D mobile mammography unit hitting the road in 2024.

The largest retail fundraiser in Arizona, the Care Card has generated $4 million for nonprofits since inception. Cards go on sale for $60 in September and give shoppers 20% off at hundreds of retailers and restaurants during a 10-day shopping event in October. The Big Pink Bus is the beneficiary once again in 2024.

Get your Banner Children’s Open raffle tickets

Whiskey or Wine? This year’s raffle prize winner will travel on American Airlines to spend four days and three nights exploring either the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or Napa Valley’s Wine Country—winner’s choice!

You do not need to attend or participate in the golf tournament to win.

Breaking News: It Might Not Be the Ice Cream!

Dr. Christian Nasr, division chief of Endocrinology at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, will discuss how the endocrine system affects hormonal weight gain and insulin resistance at the next luncheon in the WISH educational series:

Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Paul Martin’s American Grill, 6186 N. Scottsdale Road.

Only a limited number of tickets remain!