Moments

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 2

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MENTAL HEALTH CARE

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Confronting the Crisis

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Philanthropy fuels a new approach to providing urgently needed mental health care for Arizona children

H OP E S & D RE A M S SPRIN G 20 20

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PHOENIX CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS CHAIRWOMAN

Alexa Schneider Kimbell PAST CHAIRMAN

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many for the first time, I see

The Insider Updates from around Phoenix Children’s.

EMERITUS

Taylor Burke Rainy Partners

Common Cause Find out how you can get involved in upcoming events that support Phoenix Children’s patients and their families.

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Robert L. Meyer

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S

Steven S. Schnall

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Confronting the Crisis Phoenix Children’s offers a new approach to providing urgently needed mental health care.

contrasted by the optimism I see in the eyes of their children.

In both, I see their incredible resilience and how important it is to them to have Phoenix Children’s here to turn to, providing reassurance and exceptional care no matter the hurdles that lie ahead of them.

As the largest children’s hospital in the region, we feel a tremendous responsibility to deliver the best, most innovative

Scott Bindley Screenwriter

aware of the fact that overcoming childhood illness and injury is

Shane Doan Arizona Coyotes Hockey Club Ed Grant Scottsdale Investment Management

J. Paul Rhodes Community Volunteer Chris Stamets Western Retail Advisors 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.

A Founding Physician Gives Back After nearly 40 years, Dr. Herbert Winograd’s commitment to Phoenix Children’s shows no sign of stopping.

Making a Lasting Impact Ginger and Don Brandt want their support of Phoenix Children’s to inspire others to give.

worry in the eyes of parents often

care to every child we treat. Our physicians, nurses, researchers

Taylor Melvin Battery Metals Streaming Corp.

F E AT U R E S

Watching families come in,

Michael Bill MJ Insurance

Ahron Cohen Polar Sun Ventures

Innovation A groundbreaking device helps one patient experience the world around him.

5 Questions Child Life Specialist Brittany Brown helps children and their families in their most challenging times.

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S PRESIDENT AND CEO

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, FOUNDATION

Healing Spaces Camp Rainbow gives cancer patients a summer to remember.

of every day as I step foot in the

VICE CHAIRWOMAN/SECRETARY

Larry Clemmensen Community Volunteer

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powerful one.

It’s something I’m reminded

lobby of Phoenix Children’s.

Sheila Zuieback Halle Family Foundation

Because Moments Count Your philanthropy creates the little moments that make big moments possible.

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he human spirit is a

Kevin Czerwinski Merit Partners

D E PA R T M E N T S DEPARTMENTS

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DEAR FRIENDS,

and staff do what they do best with passion and compassion, both an emotional and visceral journey. We take the wins and the setbacks very much to heart.

That’s why Phoenix Children’s is leading the charge to ensure the mental and physical health of our patients are treated equally.

The past two and a half years have shone a light on the importance of pediatric mental health—addressing and destigmatizing it and making essential resources accessible to all.

We are proud to introduce Moments, our newly redesigned publication capturing the urgency we feel in those meaningful and defining moments to provide holistic, world-class care now to those fighting for their health—because every moment counts.

Our supporters have helped us get to where we are, and we invite you to continue making a difference. Because one small change in our hearts can change the course of many lives now and in the future.

Sincerely,

On the Cover: Phoenix Children’s now offers an integrated approach to providing mental health care to children and their families. Read the full story on page 10.

STEVE SCHNALL Chief Development Officer, Foundation Phoenix Children’s

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THE INSIDER

Meet our newest board members 4 bold new research projects funded

Shane Doan

Updates from Around Phoenix Children’s

played for the Arizona Coyotes for 21 seasons, including 13 as captain, and was the first Coyotes player

Stepping up to stop cancer

to have his

Braden was only 5 years old when

active 5-year-old boy. Luckily,

retired by the team. In 2021, he joined the

he and his parents noticed a

thanks to donor-funded programs at

Coyotes’ front office.

lump on his jaw that wasn’t going

Phoenix Children’s, including animal-

away. After doctors at their local

assisted therapy, art therapy and

Canada in the Olympic Games, the

clinic in Prescott struggled to

Child Life, Braden has something to

World Championships and the World

make a diagnosis, Braden and his

smile about every day of the week.

Cup. He is a past recipient of the King

family were referred to Phoenix

Ride of a Life Time Marnie Rich, a cycling instructor at Life Time–Happy Valley Peoria, found the perfect

Nearly 16,000 children in

Time, a nationwide cycling event in which participants ride at Life Time fitness clubs or

to bring their bold ideas to fruition. Earlier this year, the group announced its 2022 Leadership Circle grant recipients:

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service (2010) and the Mark Messier NHL

that he had myeloid sarcoma—a

cancer this year, according to the

Leadership Award (2012).

rare cancerous tumor common

American Cancer Society. During

in people with acute myeloid

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Ed Grant is

leukemia—and needed to start

in September, Phoenix Children’s

a partner at

treatment as soon as possible.

asked Arizonans to step up and

Scottsdale

Braden’s treatment includes

join the fight against childhood

Investment

four 30- to 40-day rounds of

cancer—and they answered the

Management

inpatient chemotherapy, which can

call, raising more than $1,350,000

(SIM), a

be extremely isolating—away from

for Phoenix Children’s Center for

Scottsdale-

his brother, Ben, and the comforts

Cancer and Blood Disorders to help

based real estate

of home—for an otherwise happy,

Braden and kids like him.

investment

Department of Plastic Surgery options for infants with cleft lip and/or cleft palate to mitigate malnutrition risks while minimizing inperson visits and related caregiver burdens.

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Be Our Guest: Modernizing the Psychology Waitlist Experience Principal investigator: Carla C. Allan, PhD, Division of Psychology The goal: Help the more than 1,650 families waiting to get help from Phoenix Children’s Division of Psychology by exploring solutions beyond the traditional outpatient service model.

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company. Prior

The Role of Detergents in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Principal investigator: Benjamin Wright, MD, Division of Pulmonology

to joining SIM in 2018, he served as

Crypto for Care

Principal investigator: Thomas Sitzman, MD, The goal: Offer feeding- and weight-monitoring

Clancy Memorial Trophy for community

the U.S. will be diagnosed with

IGNITE: A Home Monitoring Program for Infants with Cleft Palate

The goal: Prevent and treat allergic disease in

manager of land acquisitions and in other

children by investigating how detergents initiate

roles at Salt River Project.

allergic inflammation.

A former City of Scottsdale planning

via livestreamed classes to raise money for

This year, one local artist got creative

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. At this

and raised $7,500 in cryptocurrency for

year’s ride in April, Rich rallied her cycling

Phoenix Children’s. J. Pierce (@iamjpierce)

community to raise funds for Phoenix

donated 5% of the proceeds from sales

Children’s. She singlehandedly raised

of his nonfungible tokens (NFTs) to the

$35,935, making her the top fundraiser in

hospital. You can now donate to Phoenix

the country and Life Time Happy Valley–

Children’s using cryptocurrency.

during their first month of therapy by identifying

Peoria the top fundraising club, with a total

Visit GiveToPCH.org/crypto to learn how.

potentially worrisome symptoms via a daily

of more than $50,000 in donations.

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impact projects led by Phoenix Children’s physicians and researchers, allowing the hospital’s best and brightest minds

Doan also represented his native

Children’s, where a biopsy showed

opportunity to combine her passion for fitness with philanthropy: Ride of a Life

jersey number

Leadership Circle is a giving group that invests in high-

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commissioner, Grant earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business.

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Connect: Helping Leukemia Patients Thrive at Home Principal investigator: Alexandra Walsh, MD, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders The goal: Reduce the preventable readmission rate among acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients

questionnaire texted to families.

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BEC AUSE MOMENTS COUNT

Embracing the Moment Your generosity creates the little moments that make big moments possible.

A Child Life Specialist distracts Daleyza, age 4, with her favorite videos while a cast tech forms a cast to correct her club foot.

Dylan was full of laughter while playing with his dad. He practices mind control as he attempts to freeze Pikachu midair.

Emily, a heart patient, helps administer her antibiotics. Earlier that morning, Emily felt anxious when receiving her medication. Nurse Makenzie decided to include Emily in the process this time to help calm her nerves.

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Engineers and physical therapists at Phoenix Children’s Gait Lab measure Gabriel’s 3D motion and muscular activity. This data will help physicians create a customized treatment plan for Gabriel’s knee.

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H E A L I N G S PAC E S

I N N O V AT I O N

A Special Kind of Summer Camp

A New Way of Seeing

Camp Rainbow gives cancer patients a summer to remember.

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E

A groundbreaking device transforms one visually impaired patient’s life. hristian was just 4 when

brain tumor resulted in total vision

very child deserves a memorable

camp, during which kids participate in

returned this summer, welcoming

loss. While he has adapted well

summer camp experience. But for kids

a wide range of activities.

campers to its new 238-acre location

both socially and academically, he

at Loft Canyon Camp in Williams,

continues to face challenges in a

Arizona.

world built for sighted people. Some

with cancer or a chronic blood disorder, leaving home for camp can be stressful— even impossible. Camp Rainbow changes

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Rainbow PMS

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that for Phoenix Children’s patients.

Help a Kid Go to Camp!

Funded entirely by philanthropy,

of his biggest challenges are not being able to read books, homework, menus or signs without having them

Camp Rainbow is open to current and

Camp Rainbow is making summer camp a reality for kids with

translated into Braille, a process that

past patients of Phoenix Children’s

cancer and blood disorders—and you can help. To donate, visit

can take months.

Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

GiveToPCH.org/camp.

There is no cost to attend the weeklong

Christian is able to enjoy new independence with the OrCam MyEye 2, a device that interprets written text and reads it aloud.

surgery to remove a complex

CMYK

Christian’s mom, Brenda, knew CMYK

there had to be options. She continues to hold out hope that, one day, a

SUMMER TREATS The Whistle Stop snack bar and Golden Spur game room are popular spots.

A NEW HOME Founded in 1985, the camp moved into its new facility last summer.

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medical breakthrough will restore Christian’s vision. And if that ever

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UNIQUE CARE Full support is available onsite from physicians, nurses and specially trained staff.

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happens, she wants to know about

interested, but the OrCam came with a

to serve Christian for years to come—

it right away. That’s why it was

steep price tag: $5,000.

maybe even his whole life.”

important to her for Christian to

Dr. Rama and Christian’s oncologist,

“Now, we can go to the library and

continue seeing an ophthalmologist.

Lindsey M. Hoffman, DO, didn’t want

pick out any book to read,” she adds.

“The first two ophthalmologists

cost to stand in the way of him getting

“And this past year, Christian made

we went to were like, ‘What do you

the assistance he deserved. So they

honor roll all four quarters.”

want me to do for him? He can’t

applied for and received a grant to pay

see,’” Brenda says. “But Dr. Rama was

for the device, and Christian received

identified about 20 other patients

different. She said, ‘Yes, he can’t see,

his OrCam, opening up a whole new

who would benefit from having an

but … .’ And that ‘but’ is all we needed

world for him.

OrCam. “The technology is incredible,”

to hear. That’s when we knew we had found the right eye doctor.”

she says. “We’re just hoping to secure

From diagnosis to honor roll Christian is still learning how to use

The power of technology

all of the device’s capabilities, which

Aparna Ramasubramanian, MD,

include facial recognition to help him

aka Dr. Rama, told Christian and his

know who’s in a room with him and

family about the OrCam MyEye 2, a

the ability to do schoolwork and read

device that could interpret written text

books without waiting for them to

and read it aloud to Christian so he

be translated.

wouldn’t have to rely on Braille, which isn’t always available. Christian was

Dr. Rama says she has already

“The OrCam software self-updates,” says Brenda, “meaning it will continue

the funding.”

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Give the Gift of Innovation To help more kids like Christian receive CMYK

care for their eyes, donate to

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GiveToPCH.org/eyes.

CLASSIC CAMP FUN The camp offers fishing, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, archery, and arts and crafts.

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Confronting

the Crisis Phoenix Children’s offers a new approach to providing urgently needed mental health care.

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or children and families navigating

working to change that with a new approach

complex health care needs,

that focuses on integrated care.

challenges can arise even under

the best of circumstances. Factor in

Integrated, holistic care

complications such as trauma from abuse,

The newly established Center for Child and

mental health problems, food insecurity,

Adolescent Resiliency (CCAR) will create an

bullying or homelessness, and it is clear why

integrated health care model in which vulnerable

Arizona’s children are struggling.

children and their families have easy access to physical and mental health care, social services

The immediate need The percentage of children in Arizona with

and more, often all in one place.

“We offer all of these services now,” says

two or more adverse childhood experiences

Jared Muenzer, MD, MBA, Physician-in-Chief and

(ACEs) is well above the national average.

Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix Children’s

ACEs are traumatic events, such as

Medical Group, who is spearheading the center’s

experiencing or witnessing violence, abuse or neglect; losing a family member to death, divorce or prison; or having a caregiver who has a substance use disorder or mental health problems.

Children who encounter ACEs during pivotal developmental stages grow up to be adults who lack the tools needed to overcome the lasting impacts of their childhood trauma.

They’re also at increased risk for chronic disease and mental health challenges. And yet only 40% of children in Arizona have access to the mental health care they need.

Today, thousands of the state’s most vulnerable youth desperately need access to comprehensive care that includes mental health services. Phoenix Children’s is

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“Mental health is critical to long-term outcomes.

And what we’re doing here is embedding mental health specialists into the settings in which patients are receiving their medical care.”

— CARLA C. ALLAN, PHD Hagenah Family Endowed Chair and Division Chief of Psychology

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development. “What we’re looking to do with

CCAR Medical Director Prabodh

ONE FAMILY ANSWERS THE CALL

A brighter future

the center is aggregate these services, expand

Hemmady, MD, describes it as a holistic

As the preeminent children’s hospital in Arizona,

them and make them easier to navigate for

approach. “The traditional approach has

Susan and Phil Hagenah

families operating under already challenging

all of these things sort of separated, which

reduce the negative effects trauma and childhood

circumstances.”

only makes it more difficult for families

adversities have on children. In fact, it’s the

As a virtual center, CCAR won’t have a

who are already dealing with significant

innovative program staff that are making CCAR

physical location, but it will offer a seamless

adversities to access,” he says. “What we

possible, Dr. Muenzer says.

experience for patients. A large part of that

envision is taking a more holistic point

will come from centralized care navigation,

of view, looking at the influences in

group of leaders who are coming together to

in which patients and their caregivers will be

children’s lives that are impacting not just

provide the best, most integrated care possible

matched with a care navigator who will be a

their health but their overall quality of

to our most vulnerable patients,” he says. “With

single point of contact to help them:

life and how we can alleviate them.”

support from the community, you’re going to

• Find trauma-informed care providers and specialists, including mental health providers • Enroll in a health plan, if necessary • Schedule coordinated appointments to reduce trips to the hospital campus

• Inpatient Complex Care • Behavioral Health • Palliative Care

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health is critical to long-term outcomes.

and legal services

And what we’re doing here is embedding mental health specialists into the

their care through consistent contact,

settings in which patients are receiving

coaching and support.

their medical care.”

• Adverse Childhood Experiences • Adolescent Medicine

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mental health,’” says Carla C. Allan, PhD, Division Chief of Psychology. “Mental

• Homeless Youth Outreach

us develop some amazing things.”

“There’s a saying I like and it’s,

issues—and connect them with social

• Child Protection

see this center take off, and you’re going to see Julia Soto, Phoenix Children’s Medical

‘There’s no such thing as health without

housing insecurity and transportation

The Center for Child and Adolescent Resiliency’s integrated approach to pediatric care brings together eight divisions and programs that serve vulnerable children and families.

Complex Care

The CCAR will bring mental health

Hagenah Family Endowed Chair and

A DIVERSE MIX OF PROGRAMS

“I’m extremely proud of the phenomenal

services into the mix from the beginning.

• Identify barriers to health—such as food,

• Empower families to participate in

• Primary and

Phoenix Children’s is uniquely positioned to help

Group Operations Administrative Director, agrees community support is vital to the

Carla C. Allan, PhD, Hagenah Family Endowed Chair and Division Chief of Psychology (center), with Susan and Phil Hagenah and their family.

center’s success, as many of the services the program is planning to offer aren’t covered by insurance. She and the center’s other

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leaders have a goal of CCAR one day being hen Susan and Phil

Dr. Allan’s position as the

Hagenah first heard

Hagenah Family Endowed Chair,

about the Center for Child and Adolescent Resiliency, they were

Division Chief of Psychology.

“We are so thankful for

self-sustainable, once they can accumulate enough data to show payers that their services reduce overall care costs and improve patient outcomes. In the meantime, though, Soto is

intrigued. After all, they had

donors like the Hagenahs,” Dr.

seen what a toll the pandemic

Allan says. “Support from our

had taken on the younger

community is critical. Without

generations, including their own

it, I don’t know how this dream

outside the box and develop a center that will

eight grandchildren, ranging in

would be possible.”

be able to address the many different needs of

age from 6 to 16.

They sat down with Carla

The Hagenahs are excited to see the impact the center will

C. Allan, PhD, Division Chief of

make on the community in the

Psychology, to learn more about

coming years.

the vision for the center.

“The last few years have

“We were just blown

really highlighted how much

away by Dr. Allan,” Phil says.

our youth are struggling with

“Her background is quite

anxiety, depression, bullying

impressive, and she has such

and other serious challenges,”

passion and enthusiasm for

Susan says. “We are hopeful

helping young people with

that Dr. Allan and the center

mental health problems.”

will help us move past stigmas

Soon after, the Hagenahs

surrounding mental illness and

grateful for every supporter.

“Philanthropy is what’s allowing us to think

our children and families,” she says. “Without community members believing in them, the kids that are most in need of support might not get the chance to be the best version of themselves.”

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Help Arizona Children Thrive with Mental Health Care The Center for Child and CMYK Adolescent Resiliency won’t get off the

made a gift to the Phoenix

open more doors for families to

ground without your support. Donate

Children’s Foundation to establish

receive help.”

today at GiveToPCH.org/CCAR.

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A Founding Physician

That decision has paid off in spades.

Gives Back Dr. Herbert Winograd’s commitment to Phoenix Children’s shows no sign of stopping.

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ediatrician Herbert Winograd, MD, moved to Phoenix from Cleveland in

“At the time, we were building a children’s hospital for the community,” Dr. Winograd says. “It has since become a very important institution for the Southwest. That is something I’m very proud to see that my successors have accomplished. Because of that, and the incredible research the hospital is doing, management has been able to attract some top

Phoenix Children’s Hospital opened within Good

pediatric experts from all over the country.”

Samaritan Hospital in 1983, with Dr. Winograd as the first chief of staff. He is the only one in Phoenix Children’s

Not done yet

history to serve two terms, from 1983–85 and 1985–87.

Even though Dr. Winograd is 19 years retired,

It was a volunteer position then, so Dr. Winograd

he’s still invested in the success of the children’s

conducted business largely before or after hours.

hospital that moved in 2002 to the 22-acre

“I felt if I could do anything to help found the

campus it now occupies.

1972. Back then, children’s health care

children’s hospital, I would be happy to have

in the Valley looked very different than

meetings at 5:30 in the morning before I started my

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I get a great deal of

it does today. Pediatric services were

hospital rounds and practice,” he says. “And so we

pleasure out of the fact that I had a small part

spread out among Good Samaritan, St. Joseph’s and

“When I drive down the 51 and I see the

had many planning meetings early in the morning.”

in starting it and had no idea that it would

Maricopa County hospitals. Outlying hospitals had

become what it is today,” he says.

few, if any, pediatric services. And there were gaps in

Growing—and growing

subspecialty care.

Dr. Winograd and the other founding physicians and

“There was a scarcity of pediatric subspecialists,”

He’s so dedicated, in fact, that Dr. Winograd has decided to leave a percentage

board members worked hard to establish a home for

of his estate to the hospital. He hopes other

Dr. Winograd says. “The ones we had were excellent,

high-quality children’s health care in the Valley. But

but the whole field wasn’t covered. For things that

none of them dreamed Phoenix Children’s would

weren’t terribly complicated, we sent children

be what it is today. Even so, Dr. Winograd had the

“In doing so, it lets me continue the work that I

to see adult specialists, but children with very

wherewithal to specify the need for the hospital to

started 40 years ago. And perhaps it’ll serve as

serious problems, including gastrointestinal and

remain autonomous in the charter.

a beacon for other physicians, to make similar

neurological problems—we’d have to send them to

physicians will do the same.

“It was an easy decision to make,” he says.

“One of my duties was to help write the hospital’s

contributions. My contribution alone might not

vision. And the one line that I was very strongly in favor

be much in the scheme of things, but maybe the

of was that the hospital should be autonomous

aggregate will be very important to the financial

Phoenix Children’s is born

and physically identifiable,” he says. “We

future of the hospital we’ve built.”

Dr. Winograd and other area pediatricians began

didn’t want it to get swallowed up

to put the word out that Phoenix was a burgeoning

by a larger entity.”

UCLA, which was terribly inconvenient for families.”

medical community in need of more pediatric subspecialists.

“By the early 80’s, we had accumulated many very fine subspecialists, which was the basis for starting the children’s hospital here,” he says. “Having completed my training at a university children’s

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hospital, I was very happy to be asked to help out

Leave a Legacy of Your Own

in planning a children’s hospital for Phoenix. I

Whether you’re a physician, staff member or supporter, consider including Phoenix

thought it could really be my most important

Children’s in your estate plans. Visit GiveToPCH.org/gift-planning to learn more.

contribution to the community that I had brought my family to.”

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A history of giving

board at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital

“Transformational gifts are essential.

And when you give to Phoenix Children’s, you’re investing in our children and in the future of Arizona.”

Foundation, a facility that had saved his son’s

— GINGER BRANDT

The Brandts, both St. Louis natives, moved to Phoenix more than 20 years ago. Don, who became the CEO of Arizona Public Service (APS) in 2009, had been chairman of the

life, and Ginger worked in children’s health care and fundraising.

Once settled in their new city, the Brandts learned about Phoenix Children’s through

Meanwhile, Ginger and Don had been having

Nancy Loftin, a board member at Phoenix

estate planning conversations. What would their

Children’s who worked with Don as the general

legacy be?

counsel at APS. They believed in Phoenix Children’s and its strategic direction.

“By almost any definition, Phoenix Children’s is an elite children’s hospital,” says Don, who retired in 2019. “It boils down to this:

birthday in February 2022, allowing him to surprise

put, every kid deserves a healthy start.”

her with a special gift: a rendering of the lobby that

“I believe it is the crown jewel of Arizona

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means so much to her with their names on it.

“We hope our support inspires others to find something they treasure at Phoenix Children’s,” Ginger says. “Maybe it’s a physical space, a

for supporting kids and families,” Ginger adds.

program or a Center of Excellence. But once you

“We hope families never have to go to Phoenix

find your passion, join us in investing in the

Children’s, but the reality is that everyone will

future of Arizona’s children.”

likely be touched by it in one way or another.”

Its focus on family-centered care sets

Setting an example

Phoenix Children’s apart, according to Ginger.

The Brandts’ gift will go where the hospital needs

“We have a health library, a play zone, a chapel,

it most. Beyond its impact on Phoenix Children’s

a school, all of these family-centered care

families, they hope it sets an example.

programs that complement the lifesaving work

“Very few people are aware of the finances

we’re doing,” she explains. “It’s about taking care

behind a pediatric institution, what it takes to

of things that take a little bit of the stress off of

run a hospital like this, how important it is to the

he lobby of Phoenix Children’s main tower has always been a

the family—and most of those programs are

community and the state and this corner of our

special place to Ginger Brandt—the red chairs, the bear sculptures,

funded through philanthropy.”

nation,” Don says. “I can’t think of a better cause.”

the natural light filtering into the bright open space.

Ginger sees giving to Phoenix Children’s as a

A meaningful gift

way to give beyond the now. “Transformational

nurses and staff often gather for meetings, too, because it’s such a

While the Brandts had a history of giving to the

gifts are essential. And when you give to Phoenix

comforting gathering place,” she says. “To me, there is something about

hospital—including a significant gift to support

Children’s, you’re investing in our children and in

that lobby that is so meaningful.”

the EMS Workroom in the expanded Level I

the future of Arizona,” she says. “We have faith in

“It’s a place for families to sit when they just need a break. Doctors,

Today, Ginger and her husband, Don, have their names on the lobby

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Unbeknownst to Ginger, Don worked behind the

when it comes to medical conditions. Simply

officer in 2016.

Don and Ginger Brandt want their support of Phoenix Children’s to inspire others to invest in its future.

Care’s advisory board. “I thought about that.” scenes on a plan that came together just before her

Ginger wanted to help more and joined the

Impact

Don, who currently serves on the Center for Heart

A child doesn’t have any choices, particularly

Phoenix Children’s Foundation staff as a gift

A Lasting

“Some good friends told us it’s a lot more fun to contribute to something while you’re alive,” says

Trauma Center—Ginger continued to think

this organization and believe in its value for families

wall in celebration of their giving to the hospital. The couple hopes to see

about the lobby. It was a special place that truly

across Arizona and the entire Southwestern United

their gift not only serve Phoenix Children’s but also inspire others to give.

spoke to them.

States. To me, that is what this gift signifies.”

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5 QUESTIONS

COMMON C AUSE

Events That Make Moments Possible

More Than a Job Child Life Specialist Brittany Brown helps children and their families in their most challenging times. It’s a role she calls a “privilege.”

S

cottsdale native Brittany Brown joined Phoenix Children’s as a Child Life

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

Specialist in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in July 2020. In her

role, she stands side by side with critically ill patients and their families to offer coping strategies, prepare them for procedures and give end-of-life support.

We talked to Brown to find out how she balances the ups and downs of her job,

What is a surprising fun fact about yourself? I’m a bit

Give-A-Thon Week

of an adrenaline junkie.

The 2022 KTAR News 92.3 FM and 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station Give-

How do you balance the emotional ups and downs?

I like sky diving and

A-Thon raised a record-breaking $2,038,532 to support patients and their

whitewater rafting,

families. This year marked the 22nd anniversary of Give-A-Thon, which is

I am here to support kids, siblings

things that push me out

the country’s largest radiothon for a children’s hospital.

what she does in her free time, and who inspires her the most.

and family members, normalizing what may

of my comfort zone.

feel to them like a strange environment

Heart and Hand Clinical Excellence Awards

to make it less traumatic. I use my own

The Heart and Hand Clinical Excellence Awards recognize physicians and

coping skills naturally throughout the day, but I also have

advanced practice providers who go above and beyond in their pursuit of

phenomenal PICU and Child Life teams who support not

excellence. This year, five honorees were recognized for their contributions in

just patients and families but also staff.

the areas of clinical care, research, medical education and advocacy.

Miles That Matter 5K and Kids Dash

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Who inspires you?

1,800 participants going the extra mile for sick and injured children and

It’s such a privilege

My dad. He is one of the hardest-working

their families. The event—brought to you by RSM US LLP—attracted weekend

to walk with families

people I know—but, more importantly, he

joggers, devoted runners and families and raised more than $350,000.

during some of

has this natural ability to be genuine and

the most difficult

calm even in times of stress.

The Miles That Matter 5K and Kids Dash returned this year with more than

moments of life. You

UPCOMING EVENTS

can’t take away their find ways to bring

What do you hope to give to patients and families? I want kids

comfort, laughter,

to feel successful and to empower them

joy and therapeutic

to ask questions while verbalizing their

moments to them.

own emotions. I want to create a space for

pain, but you can

comfort when difficult moments happen and be an outlet for families and caregivers when

OFF THE RECORD December 3, 2022 Enjoy live music from Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, along with food and beverages from Phoenix’s finest restaurants.

OffTheRecordPCH.com

IGNITE HOPE December 10, 2022 Help us show hospitalized patients and their families that they are not alone during the holidays at this candelight walk.

PCHIgniteHope.org

CONCOURS IN THE HILLS February 4, 2023 Join us for a day of great cars, food and music in the spectacular setting of Fountain Hills.

ConcoursInTheHills.org

BEACH BALL February 25, 2023 Join us for a unique gala that trades tuxedos and ballgowns for resortwear.

It’s an annual favorite you won’t want to miss!

PCHBeachBall.org

those hard conversations occur.

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PMS

PMS

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID

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

PHOENIX AZ PERMIT NO. 961

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The Face of Hope.

Patients at Phoenix Children’s are more than their diagnosis. They’re the face of resilience and strength. They’re the face of someone you know, your neighbor, your child’s classmate.

Now is your chance to be the face of hope for children in need.

Join the cause and GiveToPCH.org.

Namiko, patient Your gift is eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona state tax credit of up to $800 when filing jointly or $400 for those filing as individuals.

CONNECT WITH US: Phoenix Children’s Foundation

602-933-4483 • foundation@phoenixchildrens.com • GiveToPCH.org