Alzheimer’s research gets a boost with $1 million gift
Michael T. Zuendel Family Biofluid Lab will support groundbreaking blood-based biomarkers research

Understanding first-hand the urgency for Alzheimer’s prevention research, Mike Zuendelrecently invested in the scientific fight against this disease with a gift of $1 million to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation to support development of the new Blood-Based Biomarkers Program at Banner Sun Health Research Institute.

Designed for the detection, tracking, diagnosis, and study of Alzheimer’s disease, other neurodegenerative diseases, and cerebrovascular disease, the Blood-Based Biomarkers program is led by world-renowned researcher Nicholas Ashton, Ph.D., who has made major contributions to the development and use of biofluid assays for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Dr. Ashton will work in the Michael T. Zuendel Family Biofluid Lab, named to commemorate this generous philanthropic gift.

For Zuendel, this gift is extremely personal. Not only did he lose both of his parents to the disease, he was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. “My first symptoms were short-term memory loss and word finding and loss of concentration ability, loss of focus,” he says.

Fortunate to have received a relatively early diagnosis, Mike qualified for the drug Aduhelm just after it was approved by the FDA four years ago and was one of the first people in the United States outside of a clinical trial to receive it.

He says the drug is working and his symptoms are improving—and he has dedicated himself to fighting for equal access for everyone. Now, Mike is paying it forward, advocating nationally and internationally for pathways leading to an end to Alzheimer’s, joining the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation Board of Directors, and partnering with the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute to revolutionize research that will produce a direct and immediate impact around the world.

Banner MD Anderson to be featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on Feb. 13 and 20

Construction of a new Wellness Center in the Home Away from Home patient housing community next to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center will air as the two-part season finale of Extreme Makeover: Home Editionon Feb. 13 and 20 at 8/7c on ABC and stream on Hulu.

The Extreme Makeover: Home Editioncrew came to Gilbert in September 2024 to film the show’s signature round-the-clock, five-day construction and opening of the Wellness Center. The new Wellness Center augments the community of eight private homes generously built, furnished, and donated to the Banner Health Foundation by Scottsdale-based homebuilder Taylor Morrison, the official construction partner of this season’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The episodes will focus in on a few Banner MD Anderson patients as they journey through their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and move into one of the homes.

Having premiered on Jan. 2, 2025, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a reimagining of the popular TV show that aired on ABC from 2004 until 2012. In this new version, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, co-founders of global lifestyle brand The Home Edit, harness their organizational expertise to thoughtfully design and specifically tailor each space from the inside out. Like the original, the new series showcases heartwarming stories, inspired volunteers, and mind-blowing builds. Shearer is a breast cancer survivor who felt particularly moved by the Home Away from Home community and Wellness Center, as they serve those who must travel far from home for lifesaving care.

The Home Away from Home program is sustained entirely by charitable gifts from generous donors and community partners. Click here to support the program with a tax-deductible donation.

Heart to heart: When looking back means paying it forward
February is American Heart Month

After undergoing five procedures in California for complex arrythmia, Los Angeles attorney Steve Blau was referred to Dr. Roderick Tung in Arizona for further care. An internationally renowned specialist in cardiac electrophysiology and an expert in the management of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), Dr. Tung joined Banner Health in 2021, helping to usher in a new era in advanced cardiovascular medicine in Phoenix. Steve knew immediately he was in the best hands.

Steve Blau with his wife swimming with stingrays in the ocean. As director of the Cardiovascular Center, Dr. Tung is helping Banner—University Medical Center Phoenix become a premier destination for heart care. Dr. Tung specializes in catheter ablation—a procedure that targets and cauterizes abnormal tissue to eliminate heart rhythm irregularities. Dr. Tung is also one of a few electrophysiologists in the world who routinely performs epicardial mapping and ablation.

As we celebrate American Heart Month, and patients like Steve Blau, we also celebrate the important milestones in cardiovascular care. Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is a premier destination for heart care supported by philanthropic investment.

Upcoming Activities & Announcements

Community partners bring joy to our youngest patients

We’re so grateful to our amazing community partners for stocking the Toy Closets at our Banner Children’s medical centers this holiday season! Fit Body Boot Camp Arizona donated toys to Banner Children’s at Desert in Mesa, while Walgreens provided toys to support both Banner Children’s at Desert and Diamond Children’s in Tucson. Additionally, Britney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury donated toys to Banner Children’s at Desert and Thunderbird. Their total toy donations were worth over $230,000.

Thanks to their generosity, our patients received special gifts on Christmas and will continue to get to choose a toy to keep after undergoing procedures and treatments throughout the year.

Roots ‘N Boots: Giving back to fight cancer

We are grateful for our Community Champion, Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek, for raising $1,330 to support Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center patients. Funds were raised at their annual Riding for the Ribbon Kickin’ Cancer Gymkhana event.

Thanks so much for the support! Want to get involved? Learn how you can become a Community Champion by hosting your own fundraiser below.

Banner Children’s Open sponsorships selling fast

Only a few sponsorship packages that include foursomes remain for the 2025 Banner Children’s Open happening on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day on the green, network with Banner leaders and industry peers, and support the Child Life program at our three Banner Children’s medical centers in Arizona.

Banner Health Foundation and Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation work closely with grateful patients, generous families, businesses, and community supporters to advance the nonprofit mission of Banner Health. Funds are invested locally in our hospitals and medical centers, patient care programs, family and community services, medical education, and research initiatives.

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