PCH - Moments Fall 2025

Moments C R E AT I N G B R IG H T E R F U T U R E S , TO G E T H E R | FA L L 2 0 2 5

Genetic therapies are changing how we treat—and even prevent—diseases.

G N I K A BRE

Doctors at Phoenix Children’s are at the forefront of a new era in medicine.

THE

CODE

Contents FA LL 2 0 2 5

Insider 4 The Updates from around Phoenix Children’s.

the Dream 6 Keeping of Parenthood Alive

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A cutting-edge procedure gave Jacob something priceless: the possibility of becoming a dad one day.

New Chapter Begins 7 AFrom innovation to compassion, new President and CEO John Nickens shares what inspires him—and where he sees Phoenix Children’s headed next.

Reinvented 18 School, for Healing Hospital stays interrupt a lot of things—but thanks to 1 Darn Cool School, kids don’t have to miss the moments that shape who they are.

Cause 19 Common Recent and upcoming events supporting Phoenix Children’s patients and their families.

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MOM ENTS FA L L 20 25

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Breaking the Code Genetic therapies are changing how we treat— and even prevent—diseases.

These doctors at Phoenix Children’s are at the forefront of a new era in medicine.

Enduring Endowments You can’t always predict a breakthrough. But you can help create the moments that lead to one. At Phoenix Children’s, endowments shape the future of pediatric care—starting today.

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR

Mike Bill MJ Companies VICE CHAIR / SECRETARY / TREASURER

Taylor Burke Rainy Partners PHOENIX CHILDREN’S PRESIDENT AND CEO

John R. Nickens PHOENIX CHILDREN’S CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, FOUNDATION

DEAR FRIENDS,

A

t Phoenix Children’s, we’re always looking forward—to the next breakthrough, the next discovery, the next moment

that will change a child’s life.

Today, we’re in the thick of some of the most exciting and promising work in our history. Our physician-scientists are leading clinical trials that could transform treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, epilepsy and rare neurodevelopmental disorders—moments of progress today that hold the potential to transform the care of tomorrow.

Steven S. Schnall

As we look ahead, we’re also pleased to welcome our new

Alexa Schneider J.C. Pace, Ltd.

President and CEO, John R. Nickens IV, who recently assumed

Scott Bindley Screenwriter EMERITUS

Larry Clemmensen Community Volunteer

the role following the retirement of longtime President and CEO Robert L. Meyer. John’s leadership, vision and deep commitment to children’s health will advance Phoenix Children’s into a promising new chapter. Get to know John on page 7.

These advances are the result of bold vision, relentless determination and the support of donors like you. Your

Ahron Cohen Polar Sun Ventures

generosity helps make these moments possible—moments

EMERITUS

working, when a child’s life takes a different path because of

Kevin Czerwinski Merit Partners, Inc. Shane Doan Toronto Maple Leafs

when a parent feels hope again, when a physician sees a therapy something we did together.

That’s the power of philanthropy. That’s the power of believing in what comes next.

As you read the stories in this issue of Moments,

Ed Grant Scottsdale Investment Management

I hope you feel proud of all we’ve accomplished

Lisa Graziosi Extension Bar

future of children’s health is being shaped right

Tarl J. Robinson Plexus Worldwide J. Paul Rhodes Community Volunteer

together—and energized by what’s ahead. The now, and your support is helping lead the way.

For that, I thank you for standing by us in our mission to provide world-class care to every child who needs it.

Together, we can create moments today that reimagine the pediatric care of tomorrow for the better.

Moments C R E AT I N G B R IG H T E R F U T U R E S , TO G E T H E R | FA L L 2 0 2 5

Genetic therapies are changing how we treat—and even prevent—diseases.

BREAKIN

Doctors at Phoenix Children’s are at the forefront of a new era in medicine.

G

THE

CO D E

On the Cover: Groundbreaking trials at Phoenix Children’s bring new hope to children with rare diseases.

Moments is published by the Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

Editorial and design consultation

by Casual Astronaut.

To share your comments or if you wish to unsubscribe, call 602-933-4483.

Sincerely,

STEVE SCHNALL Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer

FA L L 20 2 5 M OMENT S

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The Insider

Updates From Around Phoenix Children’s

Counting on the Community Whether it’s moms, men or grandmas, community members come together to forge connections and support Phoenix Children’s. These three groups are making a difference.

recognizing sponsors of the wings 2025 annual fundraiser MIRACLE SPONSOR Kathy Brown DREAM SPONSORS Alice Bazlen/Kim Cullum Toni Loback Kathy Pidgeon Helene Presutti Cindy Todare Laurie Verderame

WINGS has raised more than $1.5 million for Phoenix Children’s.

Gretchen Wilson SPECIAL THANKS

when love leads

Giving Grandmas

Victoria & Rod Granberry

PMS

Ten years ago, a group of friends—all grandmothers—joined together

Spreading WINGS

to support Phoenix Children’s. “WINGS stands for ‘When In Need

To learn more about

Grandmas Serve,’” says MaryJo Grogan, the group’s president.

this generous group of

Today, they’re a powerhouse, 50 strong. Demonstrating the spirit

PMS

grandmothers, go to

of philanthropy for their grandchildren, they’ve raised more than $1.5

CMYK

GiveToPCH.org/WINGS.

million for Phoenix Children’s.

CMYK

wings has supported a wide range of initiatives at phoenix children ’ s :

$250k

Highly accurate

$250k

$250k

$250k

$200k

$175k

The Young

New equipment

Expansions to

A full-time facility

Neurosurgery

robotic technology,

pediatric mannequins, an expanded training facility and medical equipment for a simulation lab

Knockout White

Investigators

and technology

the Allergy &

dog, Checkers,

Awards, a seed

for the Motion

Immunology

who helps children

in partnership

grant program that

Analysis Lab, which

Clinic to enhance

meet goals

with the Phoenix

funds the work of

studies a child’s

patient care and

in physical,

Thunderbirds, to

up-and-coming

movement and

meet growing

occupational and

help make surgery

researchers

muscle activities

demand

expansion

Knockout Black speech therapy

Knockout Black more accurate and

efficient for kids with epilepsy

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Knockout White

MOM ENTS FAL L 20 25

breaking the silence

Tackling a Mental Health Epidemic Two years ago, five women—all

“We felt a calling,”

moms active in philanthropy—came

Hawkins says. “We want

together to support children’s mental

to empower families

health. “There was an epidemic

to navigate these dark

happening, and emergency rooms

waters, and we believed

were overwhelmed,” says Ashley

partnering with Phoenix

Hawkins, a founding member of PCH

Children’s would make the

Sage, an all-female philanthropic

greatest impact.”

circle supporting behavioral health at Phoenix Children’s.

PCH Sage draws its name from the wisdom

PCH Sage aims to raise $500,000 in the next five years.

The numbers at Phoenix

of women and the hardy

Children’s told a troubling

desert herb. In October

raise at least $500,000 through

story—at least seven children

2024, the group welcomed 10 more

signature events in the next five

or teens visited the emergency

members and has already raised

years. The Sage Secret Garden Soiree

department every day for self-harm

$103,000. With a garden party

takes place December 7 at the Royal

or violent thoughts.

fundraiser underway, they aim to

Palms Resort.

men on a mission

How 50 Men Are Changing Pediatric Care PCH50 is a group of 50 community

• Phoenix Children’s ambulance:

“This year, we’ve set a goal to raise

leaders who are raising funds for

Emergency transportation designed

over $2.5 million through our four

targeted needs at Phoenix Children’s.

with young patients in mind

events,” says Kory Leadon, president

“We share the intimate stories as to why

• Da Vinci robotic surgical system:

of PCH50 and senior lead advisor at

and how we are selecting these causes,”

Cutting-edge equipment that

Brighton Jones. Those events include Off

says Chris Hanrahan, a PCH50 member

elevates the hospital’s reputation

The Record, an intimate country music

and managing partner at Chevelon

as a pediatric surgical leader

concert, as well as the PCH50 Pickleball

Capital Management.

Since 2017, PCH50 has raised more

• Behavioral Emergency Response

Championships and the Half Round

Team (BERT): Trained professionals

Showdown golf tournament. They also

than $7.2 million for programs and

who defuse situations when children

partner on the annual car show, Concours

equipment, including:

in crisis may act violently

in the Hills.

To learn more about our giving groups, visit GiveToPCH.org/ giving-groups FA L L 2 0 2 5 M OMENT S

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I N N O V AT I O N

Keeping the Dream of Parenthood Alive A cutting-edge procedure gave Jacob something priceless: the possibility of becoming a dad one day.

J

acob was only 7 years old when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the body’s

Preserving Fertility at Every Age Along with the testicular tissue cryopreservation option for boys who haven’t reached puberty, like Jacob, Phoenix Children’s offers: • Egg cryopreservation: For girls who have reached puberty, eggs are removed, frozen and stored.

• Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: For girls not yet in puberty or at high risk, ovarian tissue containing immature eggs can be frozen.

• Sperm cryopreservation: For boys past puberty, sperm can be collected and banked to use in fertilization later.

“My mind was moving at a million miles a minute, and [his fertility] wasn’t even on our radar,” says his mom, Nicole.

soft tissues. Among the many thoughts racing through his

That’s when his parents chose a fertility preservation

parents’ minds, the question of whether he might become a

technique called testicular tissue cryopreservation, an

father one day wasn’t one of them. They had their hands full

investigational procedure for boys who haven’t reached

caring for him and his twin sister, Ella.

puberty. Tissue is removed from the testicles, frozen and

Jacob’s diagnosis started with a routine dental exam that revealed an unknown growth. At first, it seemed like a formality to get the growth removed and biopsied—but the results uncovered Jacob’s life-threatening diagnosis.

stored for possible future use. Jacob was the first child at Phoenix Children’s to have the procedure.

The tissue processing for cryopreservation and three years of storage were covered by philanthropy. “We are

Jacob’s original treatment plan called for surgery

incredibly grateful,” Nicole says. “It was a relief. Jacob has

and chemotherapy, but tests showed the cancer wasn’t

this preserved if he needs it. What a gift to have somebody

fully removed. Jacob would need additional cycles of

say that your kid is worth having this opportunity in life.”

chemotherapy and also radiation—his best chance of survival but with a high risk of infertility.

“What a gift to have somebody say that your kid is worth having this opportunity in life.”

— NICOLE, Jacob’s mom Jacob is now 9, and the treatment he underwent is working. He continues to have regular scans to check for any signs that the cancer has come back.

“He loves children, and he’s great with babies,” Nicole says.

“To some degree, he understood that this was really important.”

For Jacob’s family, fertility preservation wasn’t just a medical decision—it was about protecting possibility. Thanks to donors, it’s one less burden they carry, and one more chance for Jacob to live the full future he deserves.

Program coordinator Kathy Hinkle adds: “Without our generous donor community, fertility preservation wouldn’t be possible for kids like Jacob. You provide hope to families.”

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5 QUESTIONS

A New Chapter Begins Phoenix Children’s new President and CEO John Nickens shares how he’s approaching this “transformational time.”

F

or John Nickens, Phoenix Children’s isn’t just a hospital—it’s a community dedicated to healing and hope. As the organization’s new

President and CEO, he’s spending his first months listening, learning and celebrating the people who make this mission possible. Here, Nickens offers his perspective on the opportunity to impact the health of an entire generation.

Pediatric care is so deeply personal. What keeps you grounded in the mission? I love

You’ve lived in several places throughout your career. What are you most looking forward to about life in Phoenix? I moved here in

When you’re not working, any hobbies or interests that help you recharge?

August, when the temp hit 118 degrees! I’m certainly

I’m interested in taking

looking forward to the cooler months. But in my first

up hiking. It’s a great

few weeks, I discovered how engaging the people are

combination of being in

and how rich the culture is! My wife, Marye, and I plan to spend our weekends exploring this great state.

nature, getting a workout, and exploring new scenery. Marye and I love to read, travel and explore different cultures. I love to play golf even though

listening to the teams

I’m not very good at it.

who provide life-

Innovation and growth have been key hallmarks of your career. How do you approach change?

changing care. They know best how to serve patients and families.

I stay grounded by seeing care firsthand and watching patients tackle obstacles with

There’s a funny book

As you begin your role, what message would you like to share with the community? Thank you

courage and resilience.

title: “Change is Good ... You Go First.” Change is

for your generosity and belief

I like to visit rooms

hard, but I’ve learned to embrace it through small

and ask, “How are we

adjustments that maximize operations. Sustainable

of time, talent or resources sends a powerful

treating you?” and

growth means making it easier for clinicians to

message that this community cares about kids.

“How’s the food?”

practice medicine. My role is to engage caregivers

You can count on us to be good stewards and

Teenagers especially

in technology decisions so they spend more time

build on our strong position. Together, we’ll ensure

give it to you straight!

with patients.

a brighter, healthier future.

in Phoenix Children’s. Every gift

FA L L 2 0 2 5 M OMENT S

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BREAKING

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THE CODE Genetic therapies are changing how we treat—and even prevent—diseases.

These doctors at Phoenix Children’s are at the forefront of a new era in medicine.

Phoenix Children’s is changing the story for kids—and rewriting what’s possible.

FA L L 2 0 2 5 M OMENT S

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Dr. Wilfong is transforming care for children with catastrophic seizure disorders.

L

ife isn’t easy for a child born with Dravet syndrome—a rare and devastating form of epilepsy.

Many children with Dravet experience hundreds of seizures a day. Few will attend school. Most will never live independently, never drive a car nor attend college, never get a job nor create a family of their own. It’s a life of limits and obstacles—and in many cases, death.

This may be where the story starts. But thanks to the pioneering research taking place at Phoenix Children’s, it’s no longer where the story has to end. From Dravet to muscular dystrophy and more, doctors here are helping kids reclaim the futures they deserve.

Phoenix Children’s is currently leading or participating in multiple genetic therapy trials, each one focused on treating or even reversing a rare childhood condition. And behind each of those trials is a physician who is determined to do more—for patients, families and pediatric medicine.

Here’s a look at three of those doctors, and the lifechanging work they’re leading.

EPILEPSY: DR. ANGUS WILFONG

This new therapy doesn’t just manage seizures—it targets the gene behind them.

Phoenix Children’s is one of 20 sites in

aren’t just treating the symptoms of disease— they’re

first-in-the-world genetic therapy for

getting at the

epilepsy. This research focuses on one of the most devastating forms of the disease: Dravet syndrome.

Dravet is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene.

Symptoms appear in the first year of a child’s life, and the condition is highly resistant to medication. It also carries the highest mortality rate of all forms of epilepsy.

That’s why Dr. Angus Wilfong— division chief of neurology and the Dr. Jerry Cox Endowed Chair in Neurology—is so eager to get this trial off the ground. genetic forms of epilepsy,” he says.

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therapies

the U.S. soon to conduct a trial of a

“There are hundreds of different

10

“Genetic

underlying cause of disease. If successful, this therapy will completely change the future for children with Dravet.”

WHAT IS GENETIC THERAPY? An explainer from the experts at Phoenix Children’s Genetic therapy is a medical approach that aims to treat or even prevent disease by correcting problems at the gene level. These cutting-edge techniques may replace faulty genes, silence harmful “And there’s active gene discovery work to see if we can treat those other forms.

But Dravet is the one that makes the most sense because it’s one of the

ones or help the body make more of a missing protein. Unlike traditional treatments that manage symptoms, genetic therapy targets the root cause of illness. Major types include: • Gene transfer therapy: Introducing a new

most catastrophic and deadly forms

gene to replace or supplement a faulty one.

of epilepsy.”

• Gene silencing: Blocking the activity of a malfunctioning gene,

Here’s how the therapy works: SCN1A is known as an autosomal dominant gene, meaning a child typically has one normal copy of the

often using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).

• Cell-based therapy: Using healthy donor cells— sometimes modified—to deliver therapeutic effects.

• Gene expression enhancement: Boosting the

gene and one mutated copy. The problem

output of healthy genes.

is that the normal gene copy can’t

Phoenix Children’s is one of only a handful of pediatric institutions

produce enough sodium channels by itself for proper brain signaling, leading to frequent, uncontrollable seizures.

This trial won’t replace the faulty gene—SCN1A is too large to replace—but it will use synthetic genetic material called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)

nationwide conducting clinical trials in this emerging field. While still in its early stages, genetic therapy holds the potential to transform how we treat everything from epilepsy to muscular disorders and beyond.

A LO O K A H E A D Stewart Goldman, MD, senior vice president of research and chair

to amplify the healthy gene’s protein

of the Department of Child Health at Phoenix Children’s, says the

production. In other words, the therapy

promise of genetic therapy is profound—but so is the responsibility.

helps the body produce more of what it

“This is a really important step for the health of children and

needs, even if one gene copy is damaged.

society,” he says. “But it’s our moral and ethical responsibility to

Phoenix Children’s has identified

make sure that we do no harm—to make sure that we improve not

20 eligible patients to participate in this yearlong trial, which will include three to four ASO treatments delivered through a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture.

“Genetic therapies aren’t just treating the symptoms of disease—

just the length but the quality of patients’ and families’ lives.”

Dr. Goldman is focused on ensuring that the work never loses sight of the people at its heart. “I want Phoenix Children’s to not only participate but lead,” he says, “yet to do so in a way that never loses sight of the short- and long-term risks.”

they’re getting at the underlying cause of disease,” Dr. Wilfong says. “If successful, this therapy will completely change the future for children with Dravet.

“Anyone can follow medicine,” he adds. “But it’s exciting and important for Phoenix Children’s to be leading medicine—and having others follow because we’re making new discoveries

Support Gene Therapy To learn how you can help accelerate advancements in gene therapy, please contact Jana Earnest, senior philanthropy officer at Phoenix Children’s Foundation, at 602-933-1857 or jearnest@phoenixchildrens.com.

that haven’t existed before.”

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NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS: DR. MICHAEL KRUER

A bold new approach silences the genes behind rare brain disorders—offering real hope for patients once out of options.

Thanks to a $750,000 grant from the Arizona Biomedical Research Centre, Michael

“When we

Kruer, MD, is tackling neurodevelopmental

can identify

disorders (NDDs) in innovative ways.

that there’s

A pediatric neurologist and human geneticist, Dr. Kruer serves as the director of Neuroscience Research at Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s.

As part of a three-year collaborative project

a specific single gene cause for a

with the n-Lorem Foundation and Columbia

disorder, then

University, the team is developing first-in-

we can act

kind antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)—

a specific ASO to knock it down to a normal level,” Kruer explains. The project represents a partnership between families, academia and n-Lorem to custom design ASOs for select NDD patients at Phoenix Children’s who share specific gene mutations.

The team hopes that successes with these “pioneer patients” will feed forward so ASOs can be offered to many more patients at Phoenix Children’s—and beyond.

Kruer’s team benefits from the expertise

modified DNA-like molecules—to silence

at the gene

of n-Lorem and a unique FDA regulatory

faulty genes behind NDDs such as autism,

level to try to

pathway designed to allow the treatment of

cerebral palsy and intellectual disability.

“Imagine if we had something that

reverse that.

could not just ‘band-aid’ symptoms, but

This work is

actually counteract what goes wrong at the core of an NDD? It’s remarkable to even

painstaking.

consider,” Kruer says. The potential benefits

It takes time.

from ASOs are significant: improvements

But we have

in language, physical abilities, social interaction, seizure control and cognitive ability—things never before possible.

Our genomes serve as a recipe book for

opportunities now that

how our bodies grow and function, written

we’ve never

in the DNA code. Many NDDs stem from

had before.”

single-gene mutations, though different genes can lead to an NDD. “When we can identify the genetic cause for a disorder, then we can act at the gene level to try to reverse it,” Kruer says. “This work is painstaking. It takes tremendous effort. But we have opportunities now that we’ve never had before.”

Most conditions result from de novo mutations—genetic errors that appear in the affected child for the first time, rather than being inherited. These mutations often cause the gene to become abnormally active, derailing typical brain development.

“If we can identify the faulty gene—and

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confirm it is overactive—then we can design

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Dr. Kruer is silencing faulty genes to open doors for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

individual patients with ASOs. Using this approach, ASOs are being developed for NDDs for the first time.

As Kruer summarizes: “Cutting-edge work like this is only possible with the amazing team we’ve assembled and support from granting agencies like the ABRC and generous donors. It is our great hope that success during these foundational stages will redefine how NDDs are treated.”

Dr. Bernes is exploring bold new paths for children with devastating neuromuscular disease.

patient with DMD is mid to late 20s; death is almost always from cardiac disease.

This is where Dr. Bernes’ current research comes into play.

“The trial that we’re heavily involved in right now is a cell-based therapy,” Dr. Bernes says. “It’s extracting cardiac cells from human cadaver hearts and administering them through a vein in boys with DMD.” HOPE-3 is a Phase 3 trial—a late-stage study that tests whether a treatment is effective and safe in a larger patient group—in which participants are randomly assigned to receive either the cardiac cells or a placebo for a year. Out of 45 patients nationwide, five are at Phoenix Children’s under the care of Dr. Bernes.

Dr. Bernes explains how it works: “Most people, when they talk about cell-based

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY: DR. SAUNDER BERNES

What if heart cells could help heal muscle? A pioneering trial explores an uncharted path.

“The trial that we’re heavily involved in right now is a cell-based therapy,”

As part of his work at Barrow Neurological

Dr. Bernes

Institute at Phoenix Children’s, Saunder

says. “It’s

Bernes, MD, medical director of the Neuromuscular Program, has been involved

extracting

with disease-modifying therapies for spinal

cardiac cells

muscle atrophy (SMA), a rare degenerative disorder of motor neurons. These therapies

from human

therapy, think that the cells you’re taking are being incorporated and reproduced.

But that’s not the case here. There are cells in human hearts with different forms of micro-RNA. These micro-RNA forms are anti-inflammatory or antifibrotic. We infuse them into the circulation; in the lungs, the cells break apart and release a factor that’s distributed systemically. It’s almost like taking a drug, but the drug is actually cardiac cells from human hearts.”

This is an “add-on therapy” to other FDA-approved therapies. At Phoenix Children’s, 25 boys with DMD have received the FDA-approved gene-transfer therapy.

To qualify for the cell-based therapy

have not only changed clinical outcomes for

cadaver

trial, patients—ambulatory or not—must

patients, but they’ve also resulted in normal

hearts and

be between the ages of 10 and 18 and able to

motor development with early treatment.

Now, Dr. Bernes is expanding his

administering

research to include Duchenne muscular

them through

dystrophy (DMD), a condition that causes muscle weakness and shrinking, triggering

a vein in boys

severe health issues such as immobility and

with DMD.”

trouble swallowing or breathing.

Affecting 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 boys, DMD

travel to the hospital every three months for a year for the intravenous infusions. Dr. Bernes notes that it can be overwhelming for participants.

But early data promises good news for patient outcomes.

“Data suggests that cardiac function is significantly improved. If we can improve

is a progressive, genetic neuromuscular

that, we’re talking about changing the life of a

disorder caused by mutations to a gene that

boy who, 10 years ago, might have died before

provides instructions for the body to make a

he was 20. I have to say, it’s so reassuring to

protein called dystrophin. Symptoms appear

tell a family that their child isn’t going to

around the age of 3. The average life span of a

have significant cardiac disease.”

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Endowed support drives new possibilities in children’s heart surgery, led by physicians like Dr. Daniel Velez, Joseph and Shawn Lampe Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Enduring

Endowments You can’t always predict a breakthrough. But you can help create the moments that lead to one. At Phoenix Children’s, endowments shape the future of pediatric care—starting today.

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W

hen Jerry Cox, a Phoenix-area dentist and artist, wanted to make a difference, he decided to endow a chair in neurology at Phoenix Children’s. “One

of the things that I love about Phoenix Children’s is their ability to plant seeds,” he says. “They plant seeds of medical possibilities and watch the possibilities grow. They plant seeds of healing in the children.”

“Endowments are an enduring legacy. They make a perpetual impact—a difference for generation upon generation.”

— NICOLA LAWRENCE, Vice President of Individual Giving at Phoenix Children’s Foundation

People choose to endow chairs or programs for various reasons—whether that’s paying forward their family’s personal

tenth of 1% of the population or a smaller amount. I don’t want

experience, helping others facing the harsh realities of having a

to invest in that when I can invest the same amount of money

sick child or supporting a particular practitioner.

to help 1,000 people or 100,000 people.”

Cox says he chose to endow a chair in neurology because he

And why did Cox decide to support Phoenix Children’s?

knew that supporting research in treating epilepsy could make

“I really love that with Phoenix Children’s, it’s not just curing

a big impact. “There are thousands and thousands of things

the disease in the child,” he says. “It’s treating the children, the

you could invest in,” Cox says. “Some of those would tug at my

mothers, the family—all of that. It’s the treatment of the heart

heart, but there are a lot of things in medicine that affect one-

of the patient and the family.”

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How an Endowment Can Make Children’s Lives Better Endowed chairs are one of the

of Barrow Neurological Institute

most meaningful ways a donor

at Phoenix Children’s, is the

can create lasting impact, helping

recipient of Cox’s endowed

recruit and retain world-class

chair. He says Cox’s gift

talent while fueling innovation

has been transformative.

in care and research. Angus A.

“It is so important to

Wilfong, MD, division chief of

advancing our understanding

pediatric neurology at Phoenix

and care of children living with

Children’s and associate director

epilepsy and their families,” Dr. Wilfong says. “We’re right at the cusp of making dramatic changes.”

He points to the development of laser surgery for epilepsy, which can completely eliminate seizures in some children.

“Instead of spending several days or even a week in the hospital after a major brain

With the Megan K. Dishop, MD Endowed Chair in Pathology, Dr. Dennis Dietzen (right) carries forward a legacy of excellence in pediatric care. Here, Dr. Dietzen stands with Dr. Dishop’s sister, Melissa Bland (left), and Dr. Dishop’s mom, Mary Lou Dishop (center).

surgery, children with the laser

child’s life by correcting a gene that

[treatment] go home the next

is causing the epilepsy. It’s such an

morning,” he says.

exciting time,” he says.

Dr. Wilfong and his team are

Donor Dr. Jerry Cox (left) with Dr. Angus Wilfong, recipient of Cox’s endowed chair in neurology.

The breakthroughs these

also testing gene therapy for

endowments make possible don’t

epilepsy (see page 12). “This is the

happen overnight—but every moment

first time that we can completely

of research and innovation gets us

change the whole trajectory of a

closer to a better future for kids.

THE EXPERTS BEHIND THE INNOVATION: MEET OUR RECENT ENDOWED CHAIRS Here are just a few of the endowed chair holders at Phoenix Children’s.

Dr. Angus A. Wilfong, Dr. Jerry Cox Endowed Chair in Neurology

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Dr. Jason Hauptman, Caroline Hoeye Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery

Dr. David Notrica, The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Endowed Chair in Trauma

Dr. Daniel Velez, Joseph and Shawn Lampe Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Dennis Dietzen, Megan K. Dishop, MD Endowed Chair in Pathology

Endowments Are an Investment in the Future

PMS

PMS

“Endowments are an enduring legacy,” says Nicola Lawrence, vice president of individual giving at Phoenix Children’s. “They make a perpetual impact—a difference for generation upon generation.”

She compares it to saving for your retirement. “You’re putting the money away

If you’re interested CMYK in learning more about making an

so that it distributes during time when

endowment and how

perhaps the revenue isn’t as easy to access,”

your gift could benefit

Lawrence says.

CMYK

Donor Shawn Lampe (right) with Dr. Daniel Velez, recipient of Lampe’s endowed chair in cardiothoracic surgery.

Phoenix Children’s leadership

Phoenix Children’s,

determines how endowed chairs

Knockout White Nicola please contact

are established,Knockout based on planned White

have two options: You can fund an endowed

Lawrence, vice

initiatives. Endowments that are

chair or an endowed program—each with

president of individual

If you choose to make an endowment, you

long-lasting impact:

currently available include:

giving, at 602-933-3870

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta Endowed

revenue for that type of medical service.

or nlawrence@

Chair: $2 million to support access

• When you endow a chair, you give whoever

Knockout Black phoenixchildrens.com.

• When you endow a program, you provide

holds that position latitude on how to use it.

They might spend the money on research, equipment or funding fellowships.

Endowed chairs have another benefit, on top of the funding they provide to a specific

to care for children Knockoutwith Black rare orthopedic conditions.

Nancy Ball of The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation with Dr. David Notrica, whose work is supported through the foundation’s generosity.

program or practitioner—they’re

• Translational Research Endowed Chair: $2 million to fund research into effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

important for attracting • Research Institute Endowed Chair:

top talent.

“Leading clinical researchers

$2 million to expand research

look for opportunities to test their

into new treatments for a range

concepts that will provide new

of disorders.

technologies and better outcomes for • Otolaryngology, Head and

children,” Lawrence says. “Funded endowed chairs allow us to attract

Neck Surgery Endowed Chair:

those physicians, and our patients

$2 million to expand advanced

ultimately benefit from

care and treatment for children

their innovations.”

with challenging ear, nose and throat conditions.

Donor Caroline Hoeye an, with Dr. Jason Hauptm who’s advancing care through Hoeye’s endowed support.

• Cleft and Craniofacial Endowed Chair: $2 million to support life-changing care for children with cleft palates or other facial conditions that require treatment.

FA L L 2 0 2 5

M O MENT S

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H E A L I N G S PAC E S MORE THAN ACADEMICS The program gives kids identity and purpose, even on hard days. The team ensures smooth transitions back to school—because learning, like healing, can’t be put on hold.

LEARNING, ANYWHERE Certified teachers bring one-on-one instruction to the bedside or classroom.

With books, supplies and computers, kids feel like students—not just patients.

SMALL LESSONS, BIG OUTCOMES 1 Darn Cool School provided over 11,400 patient education sessions across all campuses in 2024— helping kids with everything from doing math homework to staying connected to their schools.

ROUTINE & RECOVERY “School is normal for kids,” says teacher Virginia Trimble. “One of the parts of healing is to have that normalcy.” The program helps kids keep up with school during extended stays, lowering anxiety and supporting both mental and physical health.

School, Reinvented for Healing

W

Hospital stays interrupt a lot of things—but thanks to 1 Darn Cool School, kids don’t have to miss the moments that shape who they are.

hospital. Funded by Desert Financial Credit

18

M OM ENTS FA L L 20 25

hen kids are hospitalized, they miss more than class—they miss the routines,

friendships and confidence-building moments school provides. At Phoenix Children’s, 1 Darn Cool School restores that normalcy by bringing accredited K–12 education into the Union and Desert Financial Foundation, the school ensures kids keep growing, learning and feeling like themselves.

COMMON C AUSE

Events That Make Moments Possible

Recent and upcoming events supporting Phoenix Children’s patients and their families.

Give-A-Thon Aug. 18-22, 2025 The 2025 KTAR News and Arizona Sports Give-A-Thon, presented by Valley Hyundai Dealers and Yrefy, raised $2.45 million in its 17th year.

Step Up. Stop Cancer.

September 2025 Phoenix Children’s annual Step Up. Stop Cancer. campaign raised funds for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Diamondbacks recognized patients from the center at one of their home games.

UPCOMING EVENTS SPOOKTACULAR SPRINT & 5K October 25, 2025 Join over 5,000 fitness enthusiasts and families in downtown Phoenix for a Halloween-themed 5K benefiting Phoenix Children’s. Spooktacular is presented by AutoNation.

PhoenixChildrens5K.org

IGNITE HOPE December 13, 2025 This holiday tradition raises funds for Phoenix Children’s while showing patients and their families they’re not alone during the holidays. Ignite Hope is presented by Angry Crab Shack.

PCHIgniteHope.org

CONCOURS IN THE HILLS February 14, 2026 This one-of-a-kind car show features great cars, food and music in the spectacular setting of Fountain Park.

ConcoursInTheHills.com

TEAM TAYLOR FAMILY FUN RUN April 26, 2026 Honor families affected

by SUID while supporting Phoenix Children’s Home Safety and Safe Sleep Program.

TeamTaylor5k.com

FA L L 2 0 2 5 M O MENT S

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PHOENIX AZ PERMIT NO. 961