Phoenix Children's - Moments Fall 2023

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 3

An Unbreakable Bond Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner relates to the kids at Phoenix Children’s on a personal level.

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10 D E PA R T M E N T S DEPARTMENTS Insider 4 The Meet the newest board members of the Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

6 Innovation A husband-and-wife pair bring world-renowned research and leadership to Phoenix Children’s.

Spaces 8 Healing An inside look at the neonatal intensive care unit projected to open in 2024 in the East Valley.

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a Leader 9 Remembering Dr. Megan Dishop is remembered as an extraordinary clinician, colleague and friend.

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5 Questions Michael DeSoto blends his roles as father and executive to support children with cancer.

Cause 19 Common Get involved in upcoming events that support patients and families.

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H MOOM PES ENTS & D RE FAL AM L S20SPRIN 23 G 20 20

F E AT U R E S

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The Pursuit of Purpose During life-changing moments, Phoenix Children’s helps turn heartache into hope.

An Unbreakable Bond Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner relates to patients on a personal level. After all, he’s been in their shoes.

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR

Taylor Burke Rainy Partners PAST CHAIR

Alexa Schneider Kimbell, Inc. VICE CHAIR/SECRETARY

Sheila Zuieback Halle Family Foundation EMERITUS

DEAR FRIENDS,

Y

our unwavering support over the last 40 years

has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound impact you’ve made through your commitment to our philanthropic mission.

At Phoenix Children’s, we are

Larry Clemmensen Community Volunteer

united by a shared purpose—to

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S PRESIDENT AND CEO

provide hope, healing and the

Robert L. Meyer

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, FOUNDATION

Steven S. Schnall

Kevin Czerwinski Merit Partners, Inc. Tarl J. Robinson Plexus Worldwide

best possible health care to the children who need it most. Your belief in our mission not only has transformed lives, but also has become a beacon of light in the lives of countless families as they face pivotal moments.

The milestones we reach together are not mere accomplishments; they are symbols of triumph over adversity, of perseverance in the face of obstacles, and of the boundless

Michael Bill MJ Insurance

potential that lies within us all.

Scott Bindley Screenwriter

steadfast dedication has empowered us to conquer obstacles

J. Paul Rhodes Community Volunteer Chris Stamets Western Retail Advisors

It is in the face of challenges that we truly shine. Your that once seemed insurmountable. Your compassion has provided solace to families in their darkest moments, and your generosity has opened doors to innovative treatments and groundbreaking research that will shape the future of pediatric

Taylor Melvin Ivanhoe Electric

health care.

Ahron Cohen Polar Sun Ventures

children whose lives we touch with every act of kindness and

Ed Grant Scottsdale Investment Management

As we continue to move forward, let us remember the every dollar donated. Let us draw strength from their courage and resilience, and let us be inspired to reach even greater

Shane Doan Toronto Maple Leafs

heights. Together, we have the power to create a lasting legacy

Lisa Graziosi Extension Bar

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in us and for

that will echo through generations. being there for children in need.

For all of us, it is critical work. For many of us, it is personal.

PMS

With heartfelt appreciation,

PMS

To learn how you can leave a

On the Cover: Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner supports Phoenix Children’s both on and off the field.

legacy of hope for STEVE SCHNALL Chief Development Officer

Arizona children, SCHNALL CMYK visit GiveToPCH.org/legacy.

CMYK

Moments is published by the Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

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FA L L 2 0 2 3 M OMENT S

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THE INSIDER

Leading With (Personal) Experience

BLENDING BUSINESS ACUMEN WITH A STEADFAST DEDICATION TO HEALTH, WELLNESS AND THE COMMUNITY

T

arl Robinson describes

the startup to a global brand with

himself as a “serial

more than 375 employees.

entrepreneur” who has

Robinson has always looked for

launched several businesses,

opportunities to be involved in the

from a painting company to a

local community. In 2018, Plexus

direct sales organization. Now

was the inaugural sponsor of the

children and their families—but

he is bringing his extensive

Pima Center Community Walk—an

none of it would have been possible

experience in sales, marketing

annual fundraising event that

without philanthropy. Driven by

and leadership, along with

supports the Center for Heart Care

this mission, community leaders

deep community connections,

at Phoenix Children’s. Through

to Phoenix Children’s. “I hope

the walk, Robinson learned more

over the course of my career

about Phoenix Children’s work

I’ve learned things that could

in the community and wanted

be valuable to the Foundation,”

to expand his involvement,

The Foundation board’s

Robinson says. “There is so much

making him a natural fit for the

philanthropic leadership helps

value in collaboration and working

Foundation board. “It’s a group

support one of the largest pediatric

toward a goal when multiple minds

I’m passionate about,” he says.

health systems in the nation. New

come together.”

For 40 years, Phoenix Children’s has delivered hope, healing and world-class health care to Arizona

dedicate their time and expertise to lead the Phoenix Children’s Foundation Board of Directors.

members Tarl Robinson and Lisa

Robinson is originally from

As a board member, Robinson hopes to expand Phoenix

Seattle but has called Phoenix

Children’s impact in the region and

home for more than two decades.

help raise awareness. “I’d love to

He founded Plexus Worldwide, a

see the Phoenix Children’s brand

help Phoenix Children’s continue

supplement and wellness company,

out in the community in a bigger

to grow.

in Scottsdale in 2008, helping grow

way,” he says.

Graziosi joined the board in 2023 to share their unique experiences and

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Meet Tarl Robinson

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PHOTO CREDIT: ERIK SANCHEZ

Tarl Robinson and Lisa Graziosi bring their passion for wellness and the community to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation Board of Directors.

Meet Lisa Graziosi

“With my own experience worrying about my son’s life and my daughter’s life all the time, I realized that so many families are struggling and suffering in silence. I just knew I had to do more.”

— LISA GRAZIOSI

DRIVEN BY A PERSONAL JOURNEY OF NAVIGATING HER CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE NEEDS

L

isa Graziosi’s journey to the

means Graziosi spends a lot of time

that so many families are struggling

board of directors started with

at the Allergy and Immunology

and suffering in silence,” Graziosi

an online search. She found

Clinic at Phoenix Children’s.

says. “They’re going through things

Phoenix Children’s while looking

Gratitude led Graziosi to want to

that most of the world doesn’t know.

for the best doctor to treat children

ensure other families had the same

I got to see a glimpse of it and now

with allergies. “I believe that

access to lifesaving care.

I experience it every day. I just

everyone who works with children

knew I had to do more.”

deeply cares. But maybe they’re

More includes joining the

constrained, they have their hands

Foundation board. Graziosi, who is

tied, maybe they’re too busy, maybe

the owner of Scottsdale’s Extension

they’re overworked,” Graziosi says,

Bar, the world’s first specialized hair

remembering her search. “Then

extension salon, says she wants

I found Phoenix Children’s, where

to give back “with full force” to

I truly feel that everyone cares,

help other families. She hopes her

and their depth of knowledge

perspective as a woman and young

is undeniable.”

mom can help magnify the efforts

Graziosi’s 3-year-old son, Luca,

the board has made to keep Phoenix

was diagnosed with eczema as an infant and developed anaphylactic food allergies. Two years later, her

Children’s at the forefront of research, New board member Lisa Graziosi with her husband, Dean, and children, Luca and Vida.

cutting-edge technology and

“With my own experience

can donate to,” Graziosi says. “I

daughter, Vida, was also diagnosed with serious food allergies. Raising

treatments for children’s health.

“There’s a lot of things people

children who have a total of nine

worrying about my son’s life and my

think Phoenix Children’s is the most

life-threatening food allergies

daughter’s life all the time, I realized

worthy cause that exists today.”

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I N N O V AT I O N

Twice the

Impact A husband-and-wife pair of physicianscientists brings world-renowned research and leadership to Phoenix Children’s.

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nnovative research is at the heart of Phoenix Children’s vision. In pursuit of that mission, Phoenix Children’s

is always seeking inquisitive, committed physicians and researchers looking to make an impact on pediatric health care. What’s less common is finding two at once.

Vladimir Kalinichenko, MD, PhD, and Tanya Kalin, MD, PhD, have more than 30 combined years of experience in pediatric translational science—the practice of translating medical findings into procedures, diagnostic tools and medicines. They also happen to be married.

Dr. Kalinichenko was appointed director

“Treating neonatal lung conditions is very

of Phoenix Children’s Research Institute

important in terms of increasing quality of life

at the University of Arizona College of

and prolonging life span.”

Medicine – Phoenix in March. Dr. Kalin

Dr. Kalin’s research focus is on pediatric

joined the Center for Cancer and Blood

cancers, lung injuries and inflammation. Like

Disorders as vice chair of translational

her husband, Dr. Kalin brings a long-standing

research in September.

lab and body of research to Phoenix Children’s

“Phoenix Children’s is one of the fastest-

from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Two of her

growing children’s hospitals in the country,”

lab members joined her here to continue work on

Dr. Kalinichenko says of his decision to

their library of patient-derived xenografts—tissues

move his lab from Cincinnati Children’s

or cells from patients’ tumors that have been

Hospital to Arizona. “The most important

implanted into lab rats. “It started from my lab and

things for me were the communication

grew into something bigger that everyone can use

with the leadership and their buying into

for their research,” Dr. Kalin explains. “We try to

the long-term vision to develop pediatric

save the rarest cancers from our pediatric patients

translational science.”

and then use it for different research projects to develop new approaches for treatment.”

Studying rare patient-derived xenografts

“What I like about Phoenix Children’s is that everything is new— and everything is growing.

You can feel the energy.”

allows Dr. Kalin’s research team to monitor how uncommon tumors respond to potential treatments, opening the door to new therapies in the long run.

Looking to the future

— DR. TANYA KALIN

After 16 years in Cincinnati, Dr. Kalin sees new opportunities with Phoenix Children’s and the University of Arizona. “What I like about

Dr. Kalinichenko’s research focuses on new drugs to treat neonatal lung diseases that affect patients like Luca, who was born premature and has bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Different research, same goal

Phoenix Children’s is that everything is new—

Over the years the pair has published a few

and everything is growing,” she says. “You can

studies together, but primarily they work

feel the energy.”

separately studying new treatments for

That energy will fuel Dr. Kalin’s research and

pediatric illnesses. Dr. Kalinichenko’s lab

Dr. Kalinichenko’s vision for the future. His long-

studies new drugs to treat neonatal lung

term goal for Phoenix Children’s Research Institute

diseases, in particular, bronchopulmonary

is to develop new research areas across pediatrics.

dysplasia and alveola capillary dysplasia.

“The investigators will work in a very close

“There are a lot of congenital lung

partnership with clinicians and doctors at Phoenix

diseases associated with lung defects,

Children’s to develop new therapeutic approaches

as well as diseases when kids are born

for various diseases and then move those to

premature,” Dr. Kalinichenko says.

clinical trials within the institution,” he says.

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If you would like to learn more about the Research Institute and how to make an impact on children’s health, please contact Kelley Morris, vice president of individual giving at Phoenix Children’s Foundation, at 602-933-2954 or kmorris2@phoenixchildrens.com.

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H E A L I N G S PAC E S

Serving Our Smallest Patients An inside look at the neonatal intensive care unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – East Valley.

O

pening in 2024 on the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center campus, Phoenix Children’s Hospital – East Valley will seamlessly

integrate Phoenix Children’s pediatric services with Dignity Health’s maternity services. The new facility aims to address the growing demand for pediatric health care in the East Valley.

Here, we offer an insider’s look into a NICU room.

LIGHT BRIGHT Large windows allow for natural light and beautiful views.

MUTED COLORS Studies show that premature newborns do better in womb-like environments.

CONSTANT CARE The warmer stabilizes the baby’s temperature while monitoring stimuli such as sound and light.

A PURPOSEFUL PLAN The room’s floor plan gives clinicians quick access to patients and allows easy transport to other areas of the hospital.

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M E M O R I A M

Remembering a Leader World-renowned pathologist Dr. Megan Dishop is remembered as an extraordinary clinician, colleague and friend.

P

rofessionally, Megan Dishop, MD, was known as a

colleagues. She wanted her team to reach its full potential

brilliant clinician-scientist, consummate teacher

and was committed to supporting its goals, and she knew

and dedicated leader. In her capacity as division chief

how to encourage and coach people to get the best out of

of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Phoenix

them,” Dr. Muenzer says.

Children’s, she was a strong advocate for her team and

Over her career, she spent more than 26 years treating

was instrumental in strengthening her division’s focus

patients across Texas, Colorado, Minnesota and Arizona

on academics and research. But for those who knew her,

with her clinical expertise in lung biopsies and lung

it was her caring and compassionate nature that made her stand out.

“No matter how busy Megan was, she would give each person 100% of her attention. Even if you didn’t know her well, Megan made you feel that not only were you her friend, but you

pathology. Since joining

“Megan made you feel that not only were you her friend, but you were the most important thing at that moment.”

— JARED T. MUENZER, MD, MBA, Chief Physician Executive of Phoenix Children’s and Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix Children’s Medical Group

were the most important

Phoenix Children’s in 2018, Dr. Dishop expanded the health system’s testing capabilities and added a genomics laboratory.

She also partnered with the research team to bolster public participation in research and clinical trials.

As a professor of child health and pathology at the

thing at that moment,” says Jared T. Muenzer, MD, MBA,

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Dr.

chief physician executive of Phoenix Children’s and chief

Dishop was dedicated to developing the next generation of

operating officer of Phoenix Children’s Medical Group.

pediatric pathologists and laboratory professionals. She

Dr. Dishop died unexpectedly in July. Members of

also regularly received consultation and speaking requests

the Phoenix Children’s community remember her as a

from all over the world. She was recently asked to work

leader who treated her team with kindness, collegiality

on the first-ever World Health Organization Blue Book on

and intentionality.

pediatric tumors.

“Megan was passionate and ingrained about the work

“We are united in our grief over her passing, and our

she was doing—but also about promoting the work of her

hearts go out to her family and team,” Dr. Muenzer says.

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The Pursuit of

Purpose During life-changing moments, Phoenix Children’s helps turn heartache into hope.

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(Left to right) Nancy Gastelum, Adina Cervantes, Nolan and Brie, Anthony Bragg, Jennifer Crain and Brian Bogert.

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W

e all have turning points in our lives where everything changes

in an instant. Sometimes these moments are happy milestones, like graduation day or the birth of

BRIAN BOGERT

Finding purpose in healing

I

n 1992, 7-year-old Brian Bogert

says. “And then it continued on to

was standing next to his mom’s car

sever my left arm.” A nurse who

in a store parking lot when the course

was exiting the store saw what had

are harrowing, such as the sudden

of his life changed in a matter of

happened and immediately got his

need for lifesaving care.

seconds. A truck pulled up to park, but

arm on ice.

a child. Other times, these moments

Through the decades, Phoenix

when the driver got out, the vehicle

Phoenix Children’s reattached

Children’s has supported children

began rolling. A passenger still in the

Bogert’s arm in a 10-hour surgery.

and families through critical

vehicle jumped into action. But instead

He underwent more than 20

moments with state-of-the-art

of hitting the brake, the passenger

reconstructive procedures in the

medical care and the compassion of

accidentally floored the gas pedal.

ensuing years. As he visited Phoenix

our dedicated team. Here, we share

“The truck went up and over

Children’s, he formed bonds with

these life-changing experiences of

the tree in the median, hit our car,

the staff. “I had an incredible nurse

our patients and team members

knocked me over, ran over me

who used to bring me homemade

throughout the decades—because

diagonally—tearing my spleen—and

spaghetti,” he says.

moments count.

left tire tracks on my stomach,” he

Bogert eventually regained much of the function in his left arm. Today, as a human behavior coach and entrepreneur, he draws on the power

Brian Bogert underwent more than 20 reconstructive surgeries after a 1992 accident. Now he draws on his experience in his career as a human behavior coach.

of his story to connect others to the healing potential within their own lives.

His advice for others going through difficult recoveries? Healing mentally and emotionally is just as important as healing physically. “If you don’t feel, you won’t heal,” he says.

Today, Bogert’s journey has come full circle: His two young children are Phoenix Children’s patients. His wife, Ashley, says, “I know both of our children think it is pretty awesome to be treated at the facility that saved Daddy’s arm!”

In 2022, there were 25,600 surgical cases at Phoenix Children’s.

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The Spiritual Care team, which is 100% funded by philanthropy, made 6,000 patient visits in 2022.

BRIE AND NOLAN

Brie and her family leaned on Phoenix Children’s Spiritual Care team while Nolan underwent cancer treatment.

Hope, not heartbreak

I

n 2022, Brie and Eric’s 1-year-old son, Nolan

dialysis and more. Brie credits the Spiritual Care

(aka “Noly Poly”), was diagnosed with a

team at Phoenix Children’s with helping their

Wilms tumor, a rare form of kidney cancer that’s

family manage the complex emotions they

most often seen in young children. In a moment,

experienced. “They are probably one of the most

everything changed. “My sister told me, ‘Welcome

underutilized resources in the hospital,” she says.

to the worst club with the best people,’” says Brie.

Nolan would undergo surgery at Phoenix

In October 2022, Nolan rang the bell that signifies the end of chemo, and Brie says

Children’s to remove the 2.5-pound tumor that

what her sister told her on the day Nolan was

consumed his 19-pound body. Six months of

diagnosed turned out to be true. “Our care

chemotherapy followed.

team are really some of the best people we

The day after his surgery, Brie wrote: “I

have ever known,” Brie says. “This isn’t just

don’t want to ever forget the sheer rawness of

a story about Noly. It’s a story about every

yesterday, the way the room was spinning when

person who was part of a thousand little

they went over the surgery risks, what it felt like

miracles that meant life for our child. Some

to hug and kiss my baby goodbye.”

people might think cancer is just a story of

Nolan’s treatment required additional surgeries, blood and platelet transfusions,

heartbreak, but it’s actually a story of so much hope.”

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Jennifer Crain became a Phoenix Children’s patient in 1986. Now she’s the practice manager for the endocrinology department.

Phoenix Children’s is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals for diabetes and endocrinology.

Security guard Anthony Bragg has spent a decade bringing smiles to Phoenix Children’s patients.

JENNIFER CRAIN

A lifetime together

T

his year, nurse Jennifer Crain

a giant teddy bear with the hospital’s

and Phoenix Children’s celebrate

logo. She still has the stuffed animal

their 40th birthdays. Crain recently

but has since given it to her kids.

accepted the position of director of

Her own diabetes diagnosis

clinical ambulatory services, and she’s

propelled her to become a nurse.

also the practice manager for the

“I had great nurses and people in

endocrinology department. But her

the hospital who took care of me,”

story with Phoenix Children’s begins

she recalls. “I wanted to be able to

shortly after she and the hospital

provide that back to those who were

were born in 1983.

going through similar things.”

By 1986, Crain had been

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With the goal of working at

diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Phoenix Children’s, Crain kept her eye

Although she doesn’t remember her

out for an opening and landed a role

first hospital visit for her condition,

at the hospital in 2019, where she now

she recalls being admitted later

works alongside some of the diabetes

for diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious

educators who first assisted her

complication. “I had lots of educators

and her family. Crain enjoys helping

come in and people talking to my

young patients learn that even with

mom, dad and me,” she says. When

diabetes, nothing is impossible. “You

she returned home, she received a

can do anything,” she says. “You can’t

special gift from Phoenix Children’s,

let it hold you back.”

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Adina Cervantes was born at just 26 weeks and spent her first three months in the Phoenix Children’s NICU.

ANTHONY BRAGG

Guarding and greeting with kindness

I

n 2013, Anthony Bragg faced a moment that changed his career trajectory. He

almost didn’t accept the offer to become a security guard at Phoenix Children’s because he didn’t want to work at a hospital. “I thought I said no, but my mouth said yes,” he says. In the 10 years since he began his role, however, he’s become a beloved fixture. And he’s made it his mission to be a beacon of light for patients and families.

“I try to make them all feel at home, make them all feel comfortable,” Bragg says. “Love, kindness, care and comfort is my goal to give

ADINA CERVANTES

them—as well as protection.”

A full-circle moment

Bragg is keenly aware that families coming to a hospital are often dealing with a difficult time. He says he wishes he could take the discomfort or pain away, but he knows the only thing he can control is the impact he has on others. “What I can do is

I

n 2008, Adina Cervantes

health. “What made each visit

accepted a position as an

less scary was a familiar face,”

administrative assistant in

she says. “There to greet my

that we care for them and that we stand

Phoenix Children’s pulmonology

mother and me was a nurse

with them in every way.”

department. Later, she transferred

named Marcia. Her grace and

to HR, where she now works as

caring nature shined bright.”

send that message that we love them and

Patients and their families have taken notice of Bragg’s warm presence. Bragg recalls speaking to a family who had just lost their child. “They took the time to come find me,” he says, “to tell me how much that I meant to them during their time at the hospital.”

In addition to his passion for his job, Bragg

a coordinator. But Cervantes’ connection to Phoenix Children’s dates back four decades.

In 1984, her mom, Nancy Gastelum, gave birth to her and her twin sister at 26 weeks.

has a talent for music, which he’s studying in

“The nurses said we were so

school. He plays in a band that performs at

small, we barely fit in the palm

festivals and other shows. And even though

of your hand,” Cervantes says.

he’s making money as a musician, he’s not giving up his role at the hospital. “God revealed my mission to me,” he says. “So until my mission is up, I’m going to be spreading love as much as I can to everybody.”

Anthony and his fellow security guards are employed by the security services company GardaWorld, which recently donated a vehicle for Phoenix Children’s K9 unit.

“Unfortunately, my sister didn’t make it.”

Cervantes wasn’t out of the

Adina is one of over 7,200 employees at Phoenix Children’s.

Though she didn’t know it at the time, Cervantes would one day have the opportunity

woods, either. Her condition

to repay Marcia’s kindness.

required a lengthy hospital stay.

More than two decades after

“Home for me, for the first three

they first met, Cervantes and

months of my life,” she says, “was

Marcia became colleagues at

the NICU. Thank you to the team

Phoenix Children’s. “I was given

of individuals who cared for us

a chance to personally assist the

and truly saved my life.”

nurse whose same smiling face

As a child, Cervantes required ongoing care to manage her

impacted my life as a child,” she says.

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AN UNBREAKABLE

Bond Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner relates to the kids at Phoenix Children’s on a personal level. After all, he’s been in their shoes.

W

hen celebrities or athletes visit the hospital, patients often welcome the distraction from

the pain of their illness and monotony of their treatments. But James Conner brings more. The Arizona Cardinals running back has been a vocal advocate for Phoenix Children’s both on and off the field. This is, in part, because he has “matching scars,” as he told a patient in 2022.

A game-changing diagnosis Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2015 as a 20-yearold redshirt junior at the University of Pittsburgh. While he had entered the season as the Division I university’s starting running back, he was on the injured list with a torn ligament at the time.

When his doctor gave him the news, he told Conner he was lucky: Given where the tumors were—around his heart—he could have died on the football field due to the pressure on his blood vessels. “My doctor

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner supports Phoenix Children’s both on and off the field.

said I had about a week, at the rate it was growing,” Conner says.

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PHOTO CREDIT: ARIZONA CARDINALS

Conner continued participating in winter workouts while undergoing chemotherapy.

His treatment paid off. Conner was declared cancer-free in May 2016 and went on not only to start for the Pittsburgh Panthers that fall, but also to post his second 1,000-yard season.

In April 2017, just 13 months after going into remission, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him during the third round of the NFL draft.

As difficult as the experience was, Conner says he learned a lot about life during his experience with cancer.

“It taught me gratefulness, it taught me humbleness, and it taught me faith,” he says.

“It taught me patience, not to have any fear and just keep going strong. It helped me with

Conner had fun with Phoenix Children’s patients while filming a television commercial in 2022.

mental toughness. It helped allow me to enjoy the moment. That made football even more enjoyable for me, because I’m so grateful for it.”

Stepping up: on and off the field Since joining the Cardinals in 2021, Conner has taken an active interest in supporting Phoenix Children’s. He selected Phoenix Children’s as his cause for the 2022 My Cause My Cleats campaign—an NFL initiative inviting players to represent an organization that’s important to

“It taught me gratefulness, it taught me humbleness, and it taught me faith. It taught me patience, not to have any fear and just keep going strong.”

— JAMES CONNER ON HIS EXPERIENCE WITH CANCER

them with custom-designed cleats worn during game play. These cleats are later sold at auction

their community by donating to a nonprofit

to support the player’s chosen organization.

organization. Conner appeared in a TV

“I’m inspired by all the work that Phoenix

commercial encouraging Arizonans to give

Children’s does changing lives, the camaraderie

to Phoenix Children’s on the big day. The

that they have and what they stand for,” he

Cardinals and Orangetheory Fitness tripled

says. “It’s all about helping people out. I get

all 2022 donations, resulting in $460,228 in

inspired every time I go there.”

funds raised—a record-breaking year.

Off the field, Conner visits patients

“I hope my support will bring awareness

and offers star power when possible. Last

to the hospital and everything they do

November, he promoted Phoenix Children’s

while showing that a positive impact is

for GivingTuesday. The global initiative, which

being made,” Conner says. “They put smiles

takes place the week after Thanksgiving each

on people’s faces, and I want everybody to

year, encourages people to make a difference in

recognize the great work that they do.”

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5 QUESTIONS

Opening the Door to a Better Tomorrow Michael DeSoto draws on his experiences as a Phoenix Children’s parent and a business executive to help fight childhood cancer.

M

ichael DeSoto got a firsthand look at the important work happening at Phoenix Children’s when his daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with congenital cataracts.

Over 20 years later, DeSoto, chief operating officer of window and door manufacturer MITER Brands, is blending the

roles of grateful parent and business leader as a member of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Advisory Board.

What drove you to join the CCBD board? which include being a parent of a Phoenix

What is the most rewarding part of your involvement?

Children’s patient, spouse of a doctor,

The most rewarding

business executive, major event organizer

thing is learning

and fundraiser, naval aviator, and the son of

about the success stories of

philanthropic parents.

the kids and the exciting breakthroughs in

My life experiences,

How did MITER Brands first become involved with Phoenix Children’s?

the fight against childhood cancer.

How does MITER Brands support CCBD? Since our partnership began in 2019, our team members have supported CCBD in many ways, from volunteering to fundraising. Earlier this year, MITER Foundation made a $1 million pledge to Camp Rainbow [a summer camp for children with cancer or a blood disorder].

Compassion is at the core of

We have regional

How do you balance a demanding career and volunteering?

offices and a

Business needs to be more

manufacturing

than earning personal wealth.

site in Prescott

Volunteer time and giving back

Valley, and many

are what feed the larger sense of

of our employees

purpose. It’s so rewarding for us

have a personal

to volunteer at Phoenix Children’s,

connection to

whether we’re painting windows

Phoenix Children’s.

with CCBD patients at Camp

We’re grateful to

Rainbow or playing trivia with

give back.

families at the hospital.

what we do at MITER Brands.

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M OM ENTS FA L L 20 23

Michael DeSoto with his daughter, Sophia, a former Phoenix Children’s patient.

COMMON C AUSE

Events That Make Moments Possible Recent and upcoming events supporting Phoenix Children’s patients and their families.

Give-A-Thon The 2023 KTAR News and Arizona Sports Give-A-Thon, presented by Valley Hyundai Dealers and Ak-Chin Indian Community, raised $2.16 million. This year marked the 15th anniversary of Give-A-Thon, which is the country’s largest radiothon for a children’s hospital.

Heart and Hand Clinical Excellence Awards The Heart and Hand Clinical Excellence Awards, presented by Castle Real Estate Group, recognize physicians and advanced practice providers who go above and beyond in their pursuit of excellence. This year, five honorees were recognized for their contributions in the areas of clinical care, research, medical education and advocacy.

Phoenix Children’s 5K & Kids Dash More than 1,100 participants ran the extra mile for sick and injured children at the 2023 Phoenix Children’s 5K & Kids Dash, sponsored by RSM US LLP and presented by AutoNation.

The event attracted runners, joggers and walkers who raised more than $330,000.

UPCOMING EVENTS OFF THE RECORD November 11, 2023 Enjoy live music by a top country artist and delicious fare from some of Phoenix’s finest establishments at this concert hosted by PCH 50.

OffTheRecordPCH.com GOLF TOURNAMENT November 17, 2023 Join us at Troon North

for Phoenix Children’s 24th annual Golf Tournament, brought to you by Whitehaven and presented

by CBRE and MJ Insurance.

PCHGolf.com IGNITE HOPE December 9, 2023 Don’t miss this holiday tradition, which raises funds for Phoenix Children’s while showing

patients and their families they’re not alone during the holidays.

PCHIgniteHope.org CONCOURS IN THE HILLS February 3, 2024 Come out to Fountain Park for a day of great cars, food and music at this one-of-a-kind showcase of high-performance and

collector vehicles.

ConcoursInTheHills.org BEACH BALL: IBIZA NIGHTS March 23, 2024 Don your best resortwear and dance the night away at this beachthemed cocktail party held at the Spire Bar at the Arizona Biltmore.

PCHBeachBall.org

FA L L 2 0 2 3 M O M ENT S

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Give Moments of Hope Plan now for a gift that brings hope to children while helping you meet your fi nancial goals.

Phoenix Children’s brings hope to children like Nolan every day, but it’s never more important than now. As you consider how you might be a gift giver this holiday season, keep in mind these five ways to maximize your year-end giving that will cost you less than cash and allow you to stretch your giving dollars.

1 Give stock

The end of the year is a great time to consider how you might rebalance your portfolio. When you make a gift with these assets rather than cash, not only will you help change a child’s life, but it will cost you less than cash to do so.

2 Make a qualified charitable distribution

If you are age 70 1/2 or older, you can use your IRA to make your charitable gift. This allows you to use your most highly taxed assets to do your giving. The amount distributed to Phoenix Children’s will not be added to your income, and it will count toward your required minimum distribution.

3

Donate from a DAF

4

Donate a vehicle

If you have previously funded your donor-advised fund, consider using it to advise a gift to Phoenix Children’s. You will bring hope to children without any further impact on your budget.

Give your old car, truck, boat, motorcycle or motor home a new purpose when you donate it to Phoenix Children’s. This convenient, hassle-free alternative to selling or trading in your old vehicle is 100% tax deductible.

5 Use the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit

When you make a cash gift, you can take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. With this dollar-for-dollar credit–up to $421 for those filing individually and $841 for those filing jointly–you can get the value of your gift back on your state income taxes.

To qualify for a 2023 federal tax deduction, mailed gifts must be postmarked by December 31 (even if cashed in the following year). Credit card gifts must appear on your credit card statement on or prior to December 31. Gifts of securities, QCDs and assets are more complex and may require two to four weeks to complete— be sure to start the process early.

For more information about planning a gift that will bring moments of hope to Phoenix Children’s patients and their families, visit GiveToPCH. org/gift-planning or contact our Gift Planning team at giftplanning@ phoenixchildrens.com.

S PRING 2020 HO PES & D R EA M S *This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.

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