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. Editorial and design consultation by Casual Astronaut. To share your comments or if you wish to unsubscribe, call 602-933-4483. 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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I
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. CMYK
CMYK
FA L L 2 0 2 3 M OMENT S
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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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I N
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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9
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
14
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.
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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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PHOENIX AZ PERMIT NO. 961