PCH - Moments Spring 2026

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 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

Thriving (Not Just Surviving)

For kids facing life’s hardest moments, Phoenix Children’s provides care that supports both healing and hope.

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H O P E S & D RE A M S SPRIN G 20 20

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

Contents 8

BOARD MEMBERS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Michael Bill The MJ Companies VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & SECRETARY

SPRING 2026

Taylor Burke Rainy Partners Alexa Schneider Kimbell, Inc.

Insider 4 The Updates from around

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S PRESIDENT & CEO

John R. Nickens IV

Phoenix Children’s.

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Options for 6 Better Growing Spines

Steven S. Schnall Kevin Czerwinski Merit Partners, Inc.

Phoenix Children’s orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Halanski receives NIH funding to unlock how spinal growth can guide safer, more personalized surgery for children.

Brian Cousins Rainy Partners

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Tarl J. Robinson Plexus Worldwide Scott Bindley Screenwriter

to Purpose 7 Passion As physician-in-chief,

Ed Grant Scottsdale Investment Management

pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Ashish Patel brings clinical excellence, a passion for mentorship and a love of food to every moment of care. on the Move 18 Care How Phoenix Children’s Crews’n Healthmobiles bring essential care to kids and families experiencing homelessness.

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

Ahron Cohen Polar Sun Ventures

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Thriving, Not Just Surviving For kids facing life’s hardest moments, Phoenix Children’s provides care that supports both healing and hope.

Lisa Graziosi Entrepreneur & Philanthropist Shane Doan Toronto Maple Leafs

14 16 Gratitude in Action Since Phoenix Children’s saved his daughter’s life, Tim Hague has been focused on making sure other parents have that same chance.

defined by growth, resilience and hope—qualities that are

deeply woven into the work happening at Phoenix Children’s every day.

One area where that work feels especially urgent is pediatric behavioral health. Across our community, more children and families are seeking support, and Phoenix Children’s continues to respond with compassion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to meeting kids where they are. From expanding access to care to strengthening programs that support emotional well-being, the impact of this work is felt by families when they need it most.

That impact is reflected throughout this issue of Moments.

Our cover story—Thriving, Not Just Surviving (page 8)— highlights how Phoenix Children’s is addressing complex challenges, reducing stigma and opening doors to care for children facing mental health challenges. These efforts are not only transforming care today but also helping shape a healthier future for generations to come.

None of this progress would be possible without the generosity of our donors, partners and community. Your support unlocks that healthier future. Because of you, families can move beyond fear and begin moving forward.

Because of you, childhood continues.

Thank you for standing with Phoenix Children’s and for helping make brighter moments possible for children and families across our community.

With sincere gratitude,

STEVE SCHNALL Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer

Unlocking the Grip of Pain A new endowed chair at Phoenix Children’s expands care, helping kids overcome chronic pain—and return to the lives they love.

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 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 6

(Not Just Surviving)

For kids facing life’s hardest moments, Phoenix Children’s provides care that supports both healing and hope.

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MOM ENTS S P R I N G 20 26

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s we step into spring, I’m reminded that this season is

Larry Clemmensen Community Volunteer

Thriving

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DEAR FRIENDS,

HO PES & DR EAM S SP RIN G 2020

On the Cover: Phoenix Children’s integrates behavioral health into every level of care—so every child can heal in body and mind.

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.

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The Insider

Updates From Around Phoenix Children’s

40 Years of Impact: A Career Dedicated to Saving Children’s Lives

A Legacy of Hope: Making a Difference for Future Generations

PMS

Create Your CMYK

CMYK

The Legacy Society honors supporters who have included Phoenix Children’s in their estate plans. Through their foresight and generosity, members help ensure the health and well-being of future generations.

Membership in the Legacy Society is offered to anyone who names Phoenix Children’s as a beneficiary in their will or trust, with gifts of any size. Members have opportunities to strengthen their connection to Phoenix Children’s through special events, volunteer activities and the Legacy Society Council, which provides guidance to those considering an estate gift. In April, the Legacy Society’s annual lunch-and-learn event brought together 90 people to hear from a patient family

News and Updates from the Desk of President and CEO John R. Nickens IV

PMS

about the impact of philanthropic support.

Legacy of Hope To learn how a simple decision today can create a legacy of hope, visit GiveToPCH.org/ Legacy contact the Knockoutor White Gift Planning team at 602-933-3870 or giftplanning@phoenix childrens.com.

The Legacy Society creates hope and healing for future generations of children.

“These folks are creating a legacy for people Knockout White

that they’ll never meet, which is something that’s really meaningful and impactful,” says Justin Pace, senior marketing strategist at Phoenix Children’s Foundation. “It’s one of the most selfless things someone can do.”

Knockout Black

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A

t Phoenix Children’s, we have an extraordinary opportunity and responsibility to Improve the Health of a Generation.

This vision is a bold call to action rooted in the belief that every child deserves to grow up healthy, strong and full of possibility. Every day, that commitment comes to life through pioneering physicians, world-class care teams and compassionate supporters who believe in what’s possible.

Together, we are creating a healthier future for children across Arizona and beyond.

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Roberta Adams, MD, medical director of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Phoenix Children’s.

Phoenix Children’s celebrates its Platinum Center of Excellence recognition.

Roberta Adams, MD, medical

children with other diseases. The

director of the Center for Cancer

program recently completed

and Blood Disorders and director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Phoenix Children’s, is retiring after spending 40 years as a pioneering force in childhood cancer and blood disorder care.

Her vision and leadership

700

bone marrow transplants performed since 2003

LIFESAVING CARE: EXCELLENCE IN ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT

its 700th transplant and continues

Phoenix Children’s has earned Platinum

in life-threatening situations like severe

to drive groundbreaking research

Center of Excellence status from the

respiratory failure and cardiac failure, and

and deliver hope to families across

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization

those who are recovering from complex

the Valley.

(ELSO)—the highest level of recognition

cardiac surgeries.

“I’m proud that we have been able to care for and have such an impact on so many children and their

for programs providing extracorporeal

Phoenix Children’s is the first and only

membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy.

center in Arizona to achieve Platinum status.

ECMO therapy is an advanced life

Just 48 programs worldwide have earned

support treatment for children whose hearts

this designation, out of more than 700 ELSO

Dr. Adams received the Lifetime

and lungs aren’t healthy enough to keep

centers. The program recently treated its

transplants are lifesaving treatments

Achievement Award from Phoenix

them alive. It supports children who are

1,000th patient.

for children with cancer, and they

Children’s as part of its 2025

vastly improve quality of life for

Clinical Excellence Awards.

launched the Bone Marrow Transplant Program in 2003. These

families,” she says.

1,000 children treated with lifesaving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy at Phoenix Children’s

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I N N O V AT I O N

5 QUESTIONS

Better Options for Growing Spines Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Halanski receives NIH funding to unlock secrets of spinal growth and deliver safer, more personalized surgery to children.

Passion to Purpose

As physician-in-chief, pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Ashish Patel brings clinical excellence, a passion for mentorship and a love of food to every moment of care.

W

programs, pediatric gastroenterologist Ashish S. Patel, MD, is driven by one goal: moving

pediatric care forward. As physician-in-chief, he brings energy, empathy and innovation to every part of his work—while keeping kids and families at the center of it all.

Dr. Matthew Halanski’s research is advancing safer, more personalized surgical options for kids with spinal deformities.

PMS

What drew you to Phoenix Children’s?

PMS

What have you learned from patients or your team that has shaped your approach to care?

Shared decision-making. In

For me

medicine, there’s rarely one

personally, it

S

perfect choice. I believe in

pinal surgery for a child is never a small decision.

the procedure is relatively new and does not

was about the

But when bracing can no longer slow the

effectively work for many children.

leading with education and

opportunity

partnering with patients

to grow my

and families. The same

personal leadership

applies to leadership—

within a growing and

teams thrive when we

thriving health system.

listen, share concerns

progression of a spinal deformity, spinal surgery can

Currently, the field is limited by gaps in

protect a child’s long-term health. Still, choosing the

understanding of how skeletal maturity and flexibility

right approach can be challenging.

affect spinal growth. Thus, the ability to harness that

Matthew A. Halanski, MD, division chief of orthopedics and sports medicine and the Herbert J. Louis Endowed Chair in Orthopedics at Phoenix Children’s, recently received a prestigious R01 grant—a highly competitive, multiyear research award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that supports large-scale studies—to better understand how best to modulate a child’s spinal growth and preserve flexibility. The insights gained aim to improve surgical techniques and better

Inspired by what’s CMYK possible for children and families?

Learn how your support can help fuel the next breakthrough

Knockout White

in pediatric

health care at GiveToPCH.org.

CMYK

growth to correct deformities has been limited. “We know that VBT works in some kids, but not in others,” he says. “I want to know why.” Understanding how skeletal maturity and curve flexibility affect growth will allow the development of a predictive model capable

openly and move forward

We have grown the

together.

amount of research internally year over

of identifying which patients will do best with which

year and increased

procedures given patientKnockout specificWhite parameters.

our presence on

This entire line of inquiry began over 10 years

the national stage

ago with an industry sponsored grant. That initial,

exponentially. We

You care deeply about education and mentorship. Why is that such a priority?

philanthropic support generated data necessary in

continue to do that

predict which children will benefit most from

obtaining a previous NIH R21 award. The findings

with a focus on

specific procedures.

from that extramural award have recently been

it challenges us to innovate and it builds a pipeline of future

physician development

leaders. We can’t keep every fellow we train, but those who

and mentorship.

leave carry the Phoenix Children’s mission with them.

Spinal deformity surgeries carry significant risks and are among the most expensive in orthopedics,

Knockout Black

published and were crucial in securing the current Knockout Black $2.7 million R01 award.

Education pushes us forward—it keeps our physicians sharp,

What makes you hopeful about the future of pediatrics?

It’s a dynamic time.

From research and

Dr. Halanski says. The most common procedure

As he begins work on this five-year study, Dr.

is spinal fusion, which uses rods and screws to

Halanski is focused on his research program’s overall

straighten the spine and permanently fuse sections

purpose: “To minimize morbidity and increase the

True or false: You’re a foodie?

of it together, leading to restricted flexibility.

safety of pediatric orthopedic procedures,” he says. “I

True! Phoenix is quickly becoming a great foodie

constantly evolving. I’m

hope that from this work, we find new, less-invasive

spot, and I love discovering new restaurants. A few

most excited by the chance

(VBT), uses a flexible cord to modulate the

approaches to correct spinal deformities and eliminate

of my local favorites: Uchi, Buck & Rider and Little

to cure chronic disease and

remaining growth of the vertebrae to correct the

bad outcomes, ultimately leading to treatments that

Miss BBQ. If you’ve got recommendations, let me

reimagine the care journey

deformity, allowing for increased motion. However,

are easier on our patients and their families.”

know—I’m always hungry for more!

from start to finish.

A newer alternative, vertebral body tethering

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hether he’s treating young patients, guiding new doctors or building national research

MOM ENTS S P R I N G 20 26

novel therapeutics to improving the patient and family experience, we’re

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Through every challenge, Andrea and Allyson were supported by care designed to treat more than a diagnosis.

For kids facing life’s hardest moments, Phoenix Children’s provides care that supports both healing and hope.

Thriving (Not Just Surviving) 8

M OM ENTS S P R I N G 20 26

Please note that this story addresses self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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A

ndrea was a happy 11-year-old kid

“Phoenix Children’s felt like a safe space to express

when she and her family received

myself,” Andrea says. “They have so many resources

mental health experts, such as Dr. Mejia, the

devastating news—she was in heart

to help you when you need it, and the doctors are

psychologist who shepherded Andrea through her

failure and likely wouldn’t live to see

amazing. They helped so much with my mental

heart transplant, within various specialties. To

struggles. I’m thankful I got to receive care here.”

date, there are nine specialists embedded within

her teenage years. Even worse? Andrea’s older sister, Adina (not pictured), was also in heart failure.

five specialties. Philanthropy continues to expand

Both girls had been born with a life-threatening

CARE WITHOUT SILOS

this model, including a recent endowed gift that

condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,

Health care isn’t only about treating the body.

will support a dedicated psychologist within the

and both would need heart transplants.

Saving lives doesn’t happen exclusively in

pain management program (learn more on page 16).

When Andrea’s parents got the call that there

the operating room, and recovery isn’t solely

These psychologists and psychiatrists support

was a donor heart ready for her, Andrea’s feelings

dependent on prescribing the right medicines. And

patients and families at every stage of care—from

were confusing to her. She recalls being relieved

supporting patients goes beyond the individual.

routine visits to life-changing diagnoses—helping

but also scared to undergo the operation first,

At Phoenix Children’s, care is a spectrum that

them navigate the emotional complexities of illness

before her sister, and guilty that a match hadn’t

prioritizes mental health with physical health, and

while bringing an unprecedented level of knowledge

been found yet for Adina.

casts a wide net to encompass patients and families.

and nuance to each patient’s unique situation.

“A heart transplant is an extraordinary lifesaving

“Here, we care about the health of the whole

“Creating a broad spectrum of behavioral health

and life-changing experience for a child with a

child, as well as the health of the whole family,” says

care is the new frontier,” says Julia A. Soto, Phoenix

serious heart condition,” says Sarah Anais Mejia,

Carla C. Allan, PhD, division chief of psychology and

Children’s Medical Group administrative director.

PhD, a psychologist who works exclusively with

the Hagenah Family Endowed Chair in Psychology.

“Dr. Allan’s leadership and clinical expertise have

heart patients at Phoenix Children’s. “Everyone calls

Dr. Allan’s “whole child, whole family”

built this very new frontier of embedding providers

it a gift, but we don’t really use that word for our

philosophy drives her collaboration with a team of

in the specialties where children are already coming

patients. It’s often more complicated than that.”

mental health professionals who support children

and receiving care. To have that holistic care with

across the Phoenix Children’s system—from

both your medical specialist and your trusted

routine care to the most complex medical journeys.

behavioral health provider is unlike previous ways of

What does this look like? For Dr. Allan, it’s a

operating.”

Complicated, indeed.

Phoenix Children’s felt like a safe space to express myself. ... They helped so much with my mental struggles. I’m thankful I got to receive care here.”

Andrea struggled to balance feeling both grateful for her new heart and grief for the donor family who

strategic series of meaningful, evidence-based— and early—interventions.

Another crucial intervention includes the donor-funded Suicide Prevention Program.

“Traditional models of mental health care

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death

are that you wait until [a patient] is at crisis,” Dr.

for Arizona children 10 and older, according to the

Allan explains. “What’s innovative in this space

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phoenix

is that we’ve built screening processes universally

Children’s treats as many as 45 patients a day while

throughout the health system, so we can catch kids

they are on a mandatory hold for suicidal ideation

earlier. The goal is not to meet them at the crisis

or waiting for an opening at an inpatient behavioral

point, but before.

health facility. The average age of patients coming in

“This represents a real opportunity for us to get

lost a loved one to make her new life possible. She

ahead of it and serve kids who might otherwise go

battled depression and hopelessness. Her mental

unrecognized as needing help,” Dr. Allan says.

health declined, and she turned to self-harm.

Allyson and Andrea each faced a life-changing diagnosis— and found care that supported their recovery and emotional well-being.

with suicidal ideation is 12, but Phoenix Children’s

health screening survey. Responses that reveal

has treated children as young as 5.

risk prompt an immediate connection to a mental

All of which is to say: Standard methods for

health therapist before the patient leaves the exam

treating mental health issues are not as effective as

room. The therapist evaluates the child’s mental

they could be. That’s why the Suicide Prevention

and emotional state to ensure their safety and

including Adina, who received her own new heart

A SYSTEM THAT SEES THE WHOLE CHILD

Program screens for suicidal ideation across all

determine appropriate next steps.

shortly after Andrea—and the expertise of Dr.

Under Dr. Allan’s leadership, meaningful mental

Phoenix Children’s outpatient, rehab and medical

Mejia that helped Andrea begin to heal. Together,

health intervention at Phoenix Children’s manifests

specialty clinics, as well as across inpatient

critical area of health,” Soto says. “And because of

they worked to untangle the complicated emotions

in a suite of behavioral health initiatives that

medical floors. So, for example, when a child

that, families do not receive a bill for the screening

surrounding her transplant and to build healthier

address a continuum of care. The goal: Position

visits a Phoenix Children’s clinic for any reason,

or immediate intervention. We’re not charging for

coping strategies. Even today, the two continue to

young patients, their families and caregivers for

such as a wellness visit, an eye exam, even a sports

this care. Caring for kids in all ways is just part of

meet for regular check-ins.

happy, healthier lives in the long term.

medicine appointment, they are given a mental

the fabric of who we are and what we aim to do.”

But it was the steadfast support of her family—

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One such program embeds compassionate

M OM ENTS S P RI N G 20 26

“Phoenix Children’s has prioritized this as a

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MENTAL HEALTH

BY THE NUMBERS

The Suicide Prevention Program launched in

medical units and three fixed-site clinics.

passion. This is a good generation. I think they

Caregiver support groups, which provide

just need a little bit of support when they hit a

a safe, guided environment for parents and

bump in the road—and that’s what we’re here

now operating across all outpatient clinics, as well

caregivers to share experiences, build coping

to provide. We want kids to be engaged with our

as inpatient medical floors. To date, the program

strategies and receive emotional support

health system, not to turn away from it.”

has launched 188,000 screenings, identifying over

while navigating a child’s medical or behavioral

Kids like Allyson.

3,600 kids at risk for suicide. The good news: All

health challenges.

When the teen received a diagnosis of

2022 thanks to a philanthropic gift from Chris Koch and Carlisle Companies Incorporated and is

•

An Eating Disorder Clinic that offers

acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the end of

treatment and ongoing care for children and

her freshman year of high school, her life

adolescents with eating disorders, combining

changed. Her second home soon became

medical monitoring, nutritional guidance and

Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood

behavioral health support.

Disorders, where she underwent three years of

Mind, Body, Breath Groups that teach

treatment, a draining experience that not only

death among youth ages 10-14.

children and adolescents mindfulness and

took a physical toll but a mental one as well.

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins

breathwork to manage stress, regulate

“I don’t think I could have grasped the reality

by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

emotions and support overall mental

of what was about to come,” Allyson remembers.

these kids had access to real-time interventions

•

and care, and were immediately able to talk directly to a therapist.

Moving forward, the hope is that the Suicide Prevention Program will not only have a profound effect on families in crisis, but also that it can be used as a model for other programs across Arizona

A National Challenge •

1 in 7 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experiences a mental health condition each year.

•

Suicide is the second-leading cause of

and nationally.

•

EXPANDING THE CIRCLE OF CARE

Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness

•

well-being.

These innovations in the mental health

to understand her diagnosis, adjusting to the

Additional intervention-based behavioral

space are integral for building a healthy

drastic changes of her day-to-day life and facing

health initiatives spearheaded at Phoenix

community here in Arizona and the Southwest,

the uncertainty of her future triggered

Children’s include:

yes—but the outcomes can reverberate nationwide.

crippling anxiety and fear in Allyson.

•

•

Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing, which

“When you couple universal screenings, like

helps families address life stressors so that they

those in the Suicide Prevention Program, with a

embedded in the Center for Cancer and Blood

can better prioritize their medical and mental

Statewide Stats

health care.

•

Phoenix Children’s Bridge Clinic, a postwith a Phoenix Children’s behavioral health provider as often as necessary—sometimes

•

A maternal fetal program that offers Day 1

Disorders as part of Dr. Allan’s behavioral

Allan, “you can keep kids out of those higher,

health initiatives—and Allyson’s Child Life

hospital in 2022 due to suicide attempts

more costly and challenging levels of care.”

team who supported her medical needs by

In 2021, Arizona’s rate of suicide was 35% higher than the national average

daily—as a “bridge” while long-term care with a community pediatric provider is arranged.

series of evidence-based interventions,” says Dr.

same age group died by suicide.

•

per 100,000 people.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services

Adds Soto: “As we pilot, build and scale these

caring for her mental well-being, giving

programs to become as sustainable as possible, and

her tools to manage her feelings while also

for Dr. Allan to be able to research the outcomes

helping her build coping skills that would

to prove that these work to keep kids out of crisis,

serve her, and others, for the rest of her life.

we want to share the information. This is not

Allyson continues to receive treatment

something Phoenix Children’s is copyrighting.

today and is a beacon of hope for those around

support—i.e., right at the birth of the baby—for

We’re ready to share to impact the health of all

her. She shares her experiences with other

parents and caregivers who’ve been given a

children.”

patients and families to help them understand the

tough fetal diagnosis.

•

their heightened sensitivities.

Phoenix Children’s Stats

Bullying group therapy, which leverages

•

to Phoenix Children’s commitment to integrating

As for the future of pediatric mental health—for

surviving. And, more importantly, thriving.

medical and behavioral health care, Allyson is

children facing complex medical diagnoses and

Phoenix Children’s internal resources to offer

visit Phoenix Children’s emergency

for those navigating everyday struggles alike—

when I first got diagnosed,” Allyson says, “I

group therapy that includes skill-building

department because they wish to harm

the groundbreaking work unfolding at Phoenix

would tell her that this is just the beginning.

Children’s leaves Dr. Allan hopeful.

You’ll eventually get through this. All the

Homeless Youth Outreach, a program that provides no-cost comprehensive primary

M OM ENTS S P R I N G 20 26

THE POWER OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE

Every day, an average of 7 children

activities and strategies to address bullying.

•

process—and to make them feel less alone. Thanks

A program for neurodiverse children, who often avoid lifesaving medical care because of

•

But it was her psychologist—a specialist

6,504 children ages 0-17 visited a or suicide ideation; 46 children in that

discharge program where patients meet

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Grappling with a sea of emotions, trying

themselves or others.

•

12 is the average age of children seen at Phoenix Children’s for suicide ideation.

“If I could go back and talk to my past self

“I’m always hopeful,” she says. “We should all

sleepless nights and the pain and the thinking

be hopeful. This next generation of kids, for all the

that you’re not going to make it—it passes. You

and preventive health care and embedded

challenges they have, are smart, they are kind, they

are going to make it. And something beautiful

behavioral health care via three mobile

are compassionate, they’re connected, they have

will eventually come out of it.”

Here, we care about the health of the whole child, as well as the health of the whole family.”

— CARLA C. ALLAN, PHD, DIVISION CHIEF OF PSYCHOLOGY AND THE HAGENAH FAMILY ENDOWED CHAIR IN PSYCHOLOGY

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was going to be OK, but they made us feel like everything was going to be OK—that she was in the best hands that she could be in. And she was.”

GIVING BACK Because of his family’s experience at Phoenix Children’s, Tim was eager to donate his personal

Since Phoenix Children’s saved his daughter’s life, Tim Hague has been focused on making sure other parents have that same chance.

time and money to help raise funds for the hospital.

He joined Innovation Circle, a giving group that funds high-impact projects. In 2019, he experienced a full-circle moment when Shauna Schroeder, MD, applied for a grant to launch a transnasal endoscopy program at Phoenix

Gratitude in Action W

endoscopy without anesthesia.

“Of course, I voted for that because it was so close to my heart,” he says. The project received funding, and today, Phoenix Children’s is recognized as a leader in pediatric transnasal endoscopy.

Tim also serves on the Allied Advisor Council, After a lifesaving experience at Phoenix Children’s, Tim Hague now gives back to help more children heal, grow and thrive.

awareness and inspire philanthropic support. In 2024, he raised more than $50,000 through an office fundraiser and outreach to clients, family and friends.

A financial services professional of more than PMS

PMS

PRAYERS ANSWERED

a full-service financial planning firm. Clients across

an executive decision.

Before she had an upper GI endoscopy and flexible

24 states knew his family’s story and were eager to

sigmoidoscopy to remove the hardened stool from

support the cause.

“We’re going to Phoenix Children’s,” said her father, Tim Hague. That decision in November 2014

dehydration, and doctors from multiple specialties evaluated her.

“Over the course of the first two or three hours, the level of care that we received was so vastly different than what we had gotten at the other hospital,” Tim says. “It wasn’t even a comparison. It was at that

her intestines, the toddler was sedated. Lauren

Today, Lauren is 13 and a healthy, active,

gripped her parents’ fingers in each hand as the

straight-A student. In March, she competed in

anesthesia took effect.

“It’s probably the hardest thing that my wife and I have ever had to do in our lives,” Tim recalls.

“We both fell apart. It was so hard to watch.”

A few hours later, Dr. Siaw returned with good

moment that my wife and I took a deep breath because we knew we

news: The procedure was a success. The Hagues

were in the right spot.”

also learned that without the correct diagnosis and

After an MRI, CT scan and X-rays, they had an answer.

timely care, Lauren might not have survived.

Pediatric gastroenterologist Emmanuel K.O. Siaw, MD, told the

“Phoenix Children’s answered our prayers,”

Hagues: “She has an impaction from the bottom of her stomach to

Tim says. “We aren’t grateful just for the care for

the top of her rectum, and first thing tomorrow morning, we’re going

my daughter, but also the care that the nurses gave

to fix her.”

to us as parents. They didn’t know if everything

Get Involved

CMYK

To learn more about giving groups at Phoenix Children’s

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Foundation

and how to join one, visit GiveToPCH.org/ Giving-Groups.

Knockout Black

M OM ENTS S P R I N G 20 26

management, real estate and law who build

hen Lauren spit up the Pedialyte, her parents made

Upon arrival at Phoenix Children’s, Lauren received an IV for severe

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a network of professionals in finance, wealth

25 years, Tim runs Dynamite Wealth Management,

saved Lauren’s life.

Pictured left: During one of the hardest moments of her life, Lauren received the care that changed everything—and put her on the path to the healthy, thriving teenager she is today.

Children’s so that children could have an

CMYK

10 state championship swimming events and earned three bronze medals. She loves traveling, spending time with her family and playing with the family’s French bulldog, Mrs. Pickles. She still keeps a small souvenir from her stay at Phoenix Children’s: a Beanie Baby mouse named Tiptoe, Knockout White

who accompanied her during her MRI. The Hagues are certain Phoenix Children’s is the reason Lauren is alive and thriving.

“What I want people to know,” Tim says, “is that there is no comparison with the level of care you get at Phoenix Children’s.”

Knockout Black

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UNLOCKING THE

Why Endowments Make a Difference

G R I P OF PA I N

“Endowments create

Kids can overcome chronic pain, but they need focused, comprehensive care. A new endowed chair at Phoenix Children’s helps get kids back to enjoying life.

W

sustainability,” says Nicola Lawrence, vice president of individual giving at Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

“They help us recruit top talent and strengthen our

hen children are dealing

leadership in clinical

with chronic pain, it can be

care and research."

debilitating. Sometimes, they can’t even get out of bed, take a

There are two main

shower or go to the bathroom

types of endowments,

without help. Chronic pain in

both delivering lasting

children is treatable, but kids need a comprehensive plan

impact for children

designed and implemented by an experienced team of health care professionals.

That’s why Neil Raj Singhal, MD, a Phoenix Children’s pediatric anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, and his wife, Sonia Bhushan Singhal, recently made a blended gift establishing the Singhal Family Endowed Chair

and families: The Singhals are helping transform the future of pediatric pain care through a visionary gift—bringing hope, healing and renewed possibility to children and families facing chronic pain.

Endowed chair: Provides ongoing funding directed by the chair-holder

in Pediatric Pain Management. Their commitment includes

and helps attract

both an outright pledge and a bequest—demonstrating how families can combine immediate impact with a lasting legacy

that. If we're able to provide resources that help more

to fund an endowment.

children, that's a win-win for everybody.”

leading experts.

therapy, psychology and pain management,

reason chronic pain is unsuccessfully treated

as well as school, individual therapy and

FILLING A NEED IN THE SOUTHWEST

Because the Singhals made their gift to Phoenix

is because underlying anxiety and depression

family therapy.

Children’s through the City of Phoenix’s Pediatric Health

aren’t addressed. The endowment will support a

“These kids really want to go to school. They want to play with

Care Initiative, it will be matched with governmental funds at

dedicated psychologist who will further develop

and the hope is, brick by brick, to keep growing

their friends. And they do get better,” Dr. Singhal says. “But

a rate of roughly two times the amount of the gift. “It’s a great

the pain management program.

it into a bigger program and take it to the next

chronic pain in pediatrics is a very underserved population.”

way to multiply the effect of the gift and direct the money to

He points out that Phoenix Children’s has the only

something that’s meaningful for us,” Dr. Singhal says.

comprehensive program for treating chronic pain in children

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A focus on psychology is key: The biggest

Endowed program: Supports a specific

“We’ve really grown a lot over the last decade,

“Having a dedicated psychologist really

level,” Dr. Singhal says. “Having an endowed

helps these kids see a different path forward

chair really allows us to build the program.”

area of care with reliable, longterm funding.

and understand that, in spite of the pain, they

within 400 miles, and it draws families from Arizona, Utah,

HELPING FAMILIES FIND HOPE

can still be functional and live full, meaningful,

Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and California.

“Pain is a problem that can be dealt with in a very

happy lives,” Dr. Singhal says.

Leave Your Own Legacy

Kids with chronic pain may be dealing with issues

logical, rational, scientific way, with strategies that

Plans for the endowment also include

like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, fibromyalgia or chronic

help children live their best lives and be successful

support for an inpatient rehab program for

an endowment and how your gift could benefit

headaches, back pain or abdominal pain.

in the future,” Dr. Singhal says. The endowment will

children who have debilitating chronic pain

Phoenix Children's, please contact Nicola Lawrence,

“There’s a lot of need for this care,” Sonia Bhushan

help support coordinated treatment that includes

with no organic cause. This type of program

vice president of individual giving, at 602-933-3870

Singhal says. “There’s a growing population of kids who are

interventional care, rehabilitation, physical therapy

typically runs for three to four weeks where the

or nlawrence@phoenixchildrens.com.

having these issues, and there should be support to match

and psychology.

child stays in the hospital for intense physical

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If you're interested in learning more about making

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H E A L I N G S PAC E S

COMMON C AUSE

Care on the Move

Events That Make Moments Possible

How Phoenix Children’s Crews’n Healthmobiles—powered by donor support—bring essential care to kids and families experiencing homelessness.

F

or families facing housing

HYO delivers medical, behavioral

instability, access to health care

and preventive services across

can be uncertain or out of reach.

Maricopa County, removing

Phoenix Children’s Homeless

barriers that often keep youth

Youth Outreach (HYO) program

without housing from receiving

meets that challenge by bringing

care. Each visit is grounded in the

care directly to where it’s needed

belief that every child deserves

most. Using mobile medical units

compassionate support—no

called Crews’n Healthmobiles,

matter where they call home.

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

FIRST STEPS In the triage area, clinicians perform initial assessments to determine the next steps for each child’s care.

PHARMACY ON BOARD A WARM WELCOME Each visit begins in the intake area, where patients are greeted by the care team in a space designed to feel calm, private and welcoming.

Each Healthmobile has a small pharmacy so patients can receive medications— eliminating another barrier to getting treatment.

RAPID RESULTS An onboard lab allows clinicians to perform certain tests immediately, while other samples can be collected and sent out for further analysis.

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Beach Ball

The “greatest car show on grass” raised a

More than 500 community leaders

PCH50 Pickleball Championships

record $467,000 for Phoenix Children’s

gathered for a night of resort-style

Over 46 teams competed in the annual

Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders

sophistication, raising more than $1.3

PCH50 Pickleball Championships, raising

and the Cardiothoracic Surgery Fund.

million for Phoenix Children’s.

over $217,000 for Phoenix Children’s.

WINGS Gala

Team Taylor Family Fun Run

PCH50 Half-Round Showdown

Attendees came together to dance,

More than 830 runners gathered for the

Participants gathered at the second annual

mingle and make memories, raising

14th annual Team Taylor Family Fun

PCH50 Half-Round Showdown, a unique,

funds to support the expansion of the

Run, raising nearly $175,000 for the

nighttime golf tournament benefiting

Simulation Lab at Phoenix Children’s.

Home Safety and Safe Sleep Program.

Phoenix Children’s.

UPCOMING EVENTS

PRIVATE ROOMS Dedicated exam rooms provide a confidential setting where providers can diagnose illnesses and address ongoing health concerns.

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Concours in the Hills

GIVE-A-THON August 2026 Tune in to KTAR News 92.3 FM and Arizona Sports 98.7 FM for the nation’s largest radiothon for a children’s hospital.

GiveAThonForPCH.org

SPOOKTACULAR SPRINT & 5K October 24, 2026 Join fitness enthusiasts and families for a Halloweenthemed 5K benefiting Phoenix Children’s.

PhoenixChildrens5K.org

PCH GOLF TOURNAMENT November 20, 2026 Hit the green with more than 300 community leaders and philanthropists at Phoenix Children’s 27th annual Golf Tournament.

PCHGolf.com

IGNITE HOPE December 12, 2026 Help raise funds for Phoenix Children’s while showing patients and their families they’re not alone during the holidays.

PCHIgniteHope.org

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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID

PHOENIX AZ PERMIT NO. 961

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION 2929 E. Camelback Road, Suite 122 Phoenix, AZ 85016

Launched by You The most powerful moments are the ones that give a child another chance to dream. Your support ensures kids get the lifesaving care they need—and the future remains full of possibility.

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