PCH Moments Spring - 2025

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

When Everything Changes A diagnosis. A decision.

A spark of hope. These are the moments that define Phoenix Children’s.

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H OP E S & DRE A M S SPRIN G 20 20

Contents 8 SPRING 2025

Insider 4 The Updates from around Phoenix Children’s.

Brain Game 6 The Dr. Jason Hauptman, division chief of pediatric neurological surgery, is pushing the boundaries of precision-based care while keeping compassion at the center of his work.

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Redefining 7 Robotics: Pediatric Neurosurgery Funded by the Norton Foundation, the ROSA ONE Brain makes brain surgery more accurate and less invasive.

Happiest Place 18 The in the Hospital In the heart of Phoenix Children’s, amid the buzz of medical care, lies a sanctuary where laughter heals and kids thrive. The Child Life Zone awaits.

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

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When Everything Changes Life can change in an instant— through a diagnosis, a decision or a spark of hope. These are the moments that define Phoenix Children’s.

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A Grateful Mother’s Gift Paula Campbell’s daughter received lifesaving care at Phoenix Children’s decades ago. Today, she’s showing her appreciation with a generous legacy gift.

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Driven by Love Fueled by a father’s passion, Wheelz That Heal funds Phoenix Children’s Integrative Medicine program, which helps kids thrive by treating the whole child—not just their diagnosis.

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR

Taylor Burke Rainy Partners VICE CHAIR/SECRETARY

Alexa Schneider Kimbell, Inc. PHOENIX CHILDREN’S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Robert L. Meyer PHOENIX CHILDREN’S CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, FOUNDATION

Steven S. Schnall Tarl J. Robinson Plexus Worldwide Scott Bindley Screenwriter J. Paul Rhodes Community Volunteer Ahron Cohen Polar Sun Ventures Ed Grant Scottsdale Investment Management Shane Doan Toronto Maple Leafs Lisa Graziosi Extension Bar Brian Cousins Rainy Partners EMERITUS

Larry Clemmensen Community Volunteer EMERITUS

Michael Bill The MJ Companies EMERITUS

Kevin Czerwinski Merit Partners, Inc.

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

When Everything Changes A diagnosis. A decision.

A spark of hope. These are the moments that define Phoenix Children’s.

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H O P E S & D R E A M S S PR IN G 2 0 2 0

On the Cover: Read about the specific moments when a patient, a donor and staff members found hope at Phoenix Children’s.

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.

DEAR FRIENDS,

S

ince the day we first opened our doors 42 years ago, I’ve dedicated my career to Phoenix Children’s and our

mission. I’ve never once considered leaving to pursue other professional opportunities.

Why? Because of the moments.

There’s the moment I see a parent overwhelmed with worry.

The moment a child rings the bell after completing cancer treatment, filling the room with hope. These moments, both heart-wrenching and uplifting, reaffirm my purpose—to find new ways to make an even greater impact with the support of generous people like you.

Speaking of impact, I want to take a moment to recognize a leader whose vision has shaped Phoenix Children’s into what it is today. After 22 years at the helm, Bob Meyer, our president and CEO, is retiring. Under his guidance, we’ve grown from a single hospital into one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems. Bob’s impact will be felt for generations to come.

As we look ahead, we know there are more moments to create—groundbreaking discoveries, milestones in patient care and continued expansion to ensure every child has access to world-class health care. None of this would be possible without you. Philanthropy fuels our vision—it allows us to invest in cutting-edge technology, recruit world-class physicians and provide the best care possible.

Fundraising for pediatric health care isn’t easy.

But when I see the unwavering dedication of our doctors, nurses and staff, I’m reminded of why we do this work. I call it the “buoyancy factor”— no matter how tough the challenges, these moments lift us up and push us forward.

As we embark on this next chapter, I ask that you continue supporting our mission to provide world-class care to every child who needs it—because they deserve nothing less.

Together, we will create more moments of healing and hope.

Sincerely,

STEVE SCHNALL Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer

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The Insider

Updates From Around Phoenix Children’s

Former patient Adam O’Connor donates a percentage of his company’s profits to Phoenix Children’s.

Adam while undergoing cancer treatment.

More Than a Smidge Adam O’Connor never forgot the lifesaving

the beverage company SMIDGE in 2023,

care he received as a patient at Phoenix

pledging to donate a percentage of the

Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood

profits to Phoenix Children’s. His most

Disorders. Now in his 30s, the grandson

recent impact moment: a giveaway of 150

of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has

cans of SMIDGE at the annual Phoenix

found a way to give back. Adam launched

Children’s Golf Tournament. Cheers to that!

A Memory Honored The red wagon, a symbol of free-spirited childhood adventures, has transformed into a lasting tribute for a beloved Phoenix Children’s nurse who passed away in 2023.

Alisha Kopecky was a source of dedication and compassion on

Driving Impact

the Interventional Radiology team, a

Thanks to Phoenix Children’s new partnership with Arizona

joyful spirit in the

Humane Society’s Wheels for Wags program, folks can donate

department. Following

cars, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes and even boats to help

the Celebration of Life

patients and animals, a profound gift that supports two crucial

reception hosted by

nonprofits in our community. How it works:

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2

All necessary

The vehicle will

Phoenix

Vehicle donations

Wags team

repairs are

be sold so more

Children’s

are eligible for

will pick up the

made to

funds can go

and Arizona

a 100% tax

vehicle, no matter

maximize

to lifesaving

Humane Society

deduction.

its working

the vehicle’s

programs

receive the

condition.

sales value.

and services.

proceeds.

The Wheels for

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Phoenix Children’s, Alisha’s mother donated funds for the hospital to purchase red patient transport wagons adorned with license plates from Alisha’s favorite states, Arizona and California. Family and friends raised more than $25,000 to purchase

To learn more, visit GiveToPCH.org/Vehicle or contact us at 480-625-6686 or vehicledonation@phoenixchildrens.com.

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additional wagons representing all 50 states.

Teen Council Celebrates 10 Years A decade of leadership, teamwork and community development RAISED SINCE 2014:

$295,000 PROGRAMS SUPPORTED: • Camp Rainbow • Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders • Child Life • Homeless Youth Outreach (Crews’n Healthmobiles) • Therapeutic Arts • Toyland • Volunteer Services (Family Care Cart) SKILLS CULTIVATED: Fostered by generous supporters, the Phoenix Children’s Foundation Teen Council brings together driven, compassionate young minds empowered to drive positive change in their community—from advocating for pediatric health care initiatives to organizing impactful fundraising events. And in 2024, the council celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Over the

• Advocacy • Collaboration • Community Development • Leadership

past decade, these passionate teens have raised thousands of dollars and inspired a new generation of dedicated philanthropic leaders.

The Healing Power of Play

Phoenix Children’s patient Christopher enjoys a day of fun at Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

For patients facing long days of treatment, a little play can go a long way. Thanks to a generous donation from Children’s Museum of Phoenix, young patients at the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s and the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders can get free tickets to explore, imagine and play. Whether they’re zigzagging through a noodle forest, pedaling through a “car wash” or scaling a treehouse built from found objects, these joyful adventures offer a welcome escape—and a reminder that healing isn’t only about medicine.

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5 QUESTIONS

The Brain Game Jason Hauptman, MD, PhD, is pushing the boundaries of precision-based care while keeping compassion at the center of his work.

D

r. Jason Hauptman’s path to pediatric neurosurgery wasn’t a straight line. His father—an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. by boat at

8 and worked in his dad’s Brooklyn bodega—instilled in him the value of hard work and education. Working through school as a firefighterparamedic, Hauptman was initially drawn to trauma surgery. But then came a pivotal moment: a neuroscience course that changed everything.

“It brought me into the brain game,” he says. Now a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon leading Phoenix Children’s neurosurgery program, he’s ensuring every child receives cutting-edge care with compassion.

What are your goals at Phoenix Children’s?

I want to make

What’s on the horizon?

sure we have a

In the next

neurosurgical

10 years, gene therapy

program that

will likely change the

offers the absolute

landscape of neurological disease, offering cures we

best solutions for all

never anticipated. Many

surgical neurological

treatments will require

problems. The long-

surgical delivery—whether

term goals: How do we invent the future of neurosurgery? How will we be treating disease five, eight or 10 years

directly into the brain or

What’s one thing you’re particularly proud of in your career? I’m proud to

through cerebrospinal

have so many incredible patients

DNA level.

from now, and what

and families who have allowed me to help in

do we need to train

their most vulnerable times. It keeps me going

our next generation of

every single day and is at the center of every decision I make.

M OM ENTS S P RI N G 20 25

to surgery on a molecular

What neurosurgical advancements excite you most?

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

One is expanding our ability to perform

“Love the patient

precision-based, minimally invasive surgeries,

more than

with tools like the ROSA robot. We can now do

you hate the disease.”

complex brain surgeries with high accuracy

Just doing an operation

through small incisions. Using this technology,

and having a perfect

we can implant brain pacemakers that alter

outcome is not enough.

brain function in disease states ranging

The patient also needs

from epilepsy to movement disorders. It’s a

to feel heard and loved

complete game changer for affected children.

every single time.

neurosurgical leaders?

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fluid—shifting the focus

I N N O V AT I O N

Robotics: Redefining Pediatric Neurosurgery Funded by the Norton Foundation, the ROSA ONE Brain makes brain surgery more accurate and less invasive.

P

ediatric neurosurgeon Jason Hauptman, MD, PhD, is driven by one goal: ensuring children

receive the most advanced, precise and leastinvasive treatments possible. That mission is made possible by both groundbreaking technology and the generosity of donors who believe in transforming care.

In fact, philanthropy played a pivotal role in bringing Dr. Hauptman to Phoenix Children’s.

Recruiting a world-class neurosurgeon required world-class tools—and thanks to Kathleen

Dr. Hauptman and the ROSA ONE Brain are changing the landscape of pediatric neurosurgery at Phoenix Children’s.

Norton, a member of the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Advisory Council, and funding from the Norton Foundation, the hospital acquired the ROSA ONE Brain.

Now, Dr. Hauptman and his team use this

PMS

cutting-edge robotic system to perform complex brain surgeries with unmatched accuracy— offering new hope to children with epilepsy and other neurological conditions when medication isn’t enough.

Children with epilepsy have seizures, which can lead to safety concerns and challenges in school, behavior, and social and emotional development. When medication doesn’t help, brain surgery may be the answer.

“The ROSA robot is bringing the most advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgery to the children of Arizona,” says Dr. Hauptman, division chief of pediatric neurological surgery and Caroline Hoeye Endowed Chair in

Take a Peek at CMYK How ROSA ONE Brain Works Find out how this state-of-the-art robotic system is making a difference Knockout White

for patients at

Phoenix Children’s.

“The ROSA robot is bringing the most advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgery to the children of Arizona.”

CMYK

— DR. JASON HAUPTMAN “And every patient’s brain is shaped a little differently.”

With ROSA, neurosurgeons use a computer system to plan exactly where to place things White where in the brain. “It showsKnockout me perfectly

to aim,” Dr. Hauptman says. “Plus, it can be done through incisions the size of my pinky fingernail, and it shaves off hours of surgery.”

Neurosurgery at Barrow Neurological Institute

Surgeons can use the robot to help them

at Phoenix Children’s.

place wires that can determine where seizures

For this type of neurosurgery, surgeons need to accurately and precisely target a specific

PMS

Knockout Black

are coming from—or toKnockout use a tiny Black laser probe

area of the brain. “Placing a 2-millimeter brain

to burn a brain tumor that’s causing seizures—

wire with accuracy of under a millimeter from

and the patients usually go home the next day.

outside the skull to somewhere deep in the brain

“It’s really a big deal for minimally invasive

is incredibly challenging,” Dr. Hauptman says.

precision neurosurgery,” Dr. Hauptman says.

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When

Everything

Changes A diagnosis. A decision. A spark of hope. These are the moments that define Phoenix Children’s.

P

hoenix Children’s bears witness to life’s ups and downs every day. The joys and sorrows, the dark times and hopeful turns. These moments impact everyone, from patients and families to doctors, nurses and donors.

And though the experiences differ from person to person, there’s one thing they all have in common—finding a path to healing.

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Hope and healing happen in moments—both big and small—at Phoenix Children’s.

For one young patient, Molly, visits from therapy dogs brought comfort, joy and a renewed sense of strength.

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THE MOMENT WHEN …

I found H O PE

M

MOLLY, PATIENT y cancer diagnosis at 12 years old came as a shock.

I was active in soccer and thought the pain in my leg was from shin splints. My mom thought

so, too. We iced my leg and did stretches and even went to a doctor for X-rays, which didn’t show anything. Yet the pain persisted. I went from playing soccer to being completely immobilized. On vacation with my family, I could barely walk.

I was sent to Phoenix Children’s right away. The pain in my leg turned out to be a growth, a rare form of bone cancer. The first days were just disbelief.

I wondered: “How could this happen? How in a million years could this happen?”

Then the sadness came.

I FOUND OUT ABOUT PHOENIX CHILDREN’S animal-assisted therapy, a program funded by donors. When my care team scheduled this therapy

AT PHOENIX CHILDREN’S, MY CARE TEAM

for me, it changed everything—it was in this moment

launched a plan right away. I love a plan. I thrive

that I found hope.

on a plan. In my hospital room, there was a

There were days when I didn’t feel like sitting up, or

whiteboard. Every day, I’d write my to-do list

I was too exhausted from chemo or nauseous. Then I’d

on it. Checking things off gave me a sense of

hear a knock on my door: “Hello? It’s pet therapy. May

accomplishment.

we come in?” I’d spring right up and say: “Yes, please!”

The plan included surgery and 24 rounds of

There were so many dogs. Some climb on your

chemo. The first few chemo sessions were tough. I

bed. There was an Irish wolfhound named Ike. He

had a really good team who helped me understand

was humongous, almost as big as me. There were

what was going on and took me through all the

Chihuahuas. There was one named Tilly who had one

firsts, like accessing my port or receiving new

eye and was the cutest thing. I didn’t care what kind of

medications. But it was scary. I didn’t really process

dog it was; I wanted to meet them all.

what all this meant.

“I’d hear a knock on my door: ‘Hello? It’s pet therapy. May we come in?’ I’d spring right up and say: ‘Yes, please! ’ ”

I think hope is important to hold on to in hard times. Whether you’re a patient or sibling or parent, everybody needs hope. To me, hope can mean big things, like hoping your cancer gets cured. It can also mean small things, like hoping to see a dog while you’re in a hospital bed. I’m grateful to the donors who have made this program possible for patients like me.

If you don’t have hope right now, know that we’re all here for you. We know what it’s like. Believe me

I was in a hard spot. My mental health took a

when I say: There will be a better day.

turn for the worse. But my psychologist at Phoenix Children’s, Dr. Lindsay Anderson, is the best. She

Molly is a Phoenix Children’s teen

saved my life just as much as my oncologist did.

patient who served as the 2024

She’s been part of my team since my diagnosis up to

Ignite Hope honor patient. Find

this very day. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

out more about Molly’s story by

And then, of course, there were the dogs.

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scanning the QR code.

THE MOMENT WHEN …

A heart WA K E S U P

I

DANIEL VELEZ, PHYSICIAN

’ve always had an interest in cardiac

To this day—and I’m going on 20 years

surgery. During my general surgery

of doing this—I still get emotional at that

training days, our call room was one

moment when we bring an organ back from a

floor above the cardiac unit. In my

donor, implant it in the patient and hear that

free time, I’d go down to see what

first heartbeat. The feeling that overcomes me

was happening in the ICU. One day, I heard

is almost too much to put into words. After we

there would be a heart transplant happening. I

allow blood flow back to the heart, that’s what

knew I had to see it.

I’m waiting for—that first beat.

The donor was in the room adjacent to the recipient’s room, so I got to see the heart come

WHEN PARENTS COME IN FOR A PRENATAL

out of the donor. I’ll never forget the wave of

ultrasound, most are expecting the results to

emotions and hope that overtook me when

reveal a normal, healthy baby with a perfectly

I saw the recipient reading the newspaper

normal heart. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s

shortly after the transplant was complete,

not the case.

even though he was in heart failure not too long before.

“I still get emotional at that moment when we

bring an organ back from a donor, implant it in the patient and hear that first heartbeat.”

When it’s determined that a patient has a heart defect, parents meet with a team of specialists. I’m one of them.

AS ONE OF MANY SPECIALISTS INVOLVED in a patient’s care, I’m lucky to be part of a team. From cardiologists to intensivists, support staff to nutritionists, pharmacists to nurse practitioners, we’re an army ready to help our young patients. Parents and families get to see that teamwork aligned in action even before the baby’s born.

It’s philanthropic efforts that keep this well-oiled machine humming. Over the decades, medical science has vastly improved—better techniques, better approaches and a better understanding of physiology, plus closer monitoring of patients between operations. Thanks to donors aiding our work at Phoenix Children’s, we can be on the frontlines of new technology and new information, moving forward as the field moves forward.

At the end of the day, I’m here to provide hope—to show parents that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Hearing that first heartbeat is a privilege I take very, very seriously.

Daniel Velez, MD, is co-director of Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care, division chief of cardiothoracic surgery and the Joseph and Shawn Lampe Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

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THE MOMENT WHEN …

I decided to GI V E B AC K

T

CAROLYN MANI, DONOR

hree years ago, my husband and

JANET AND I GREW UP IN A FAMILY THAT

I moved to Phoenix. I’d lived in

deeply believed in philanthropy. As a child,

California for 41 years working at an

I remember my mother’s involvement in an

auction house—a job I love and still do,

organization for children with cerebral palsy.

traveling back to my office in Beverly

My sister and I were both blessed with healthy

Hills a few days a month—but we wanted to be closer

kids, and our grandkids have always been healthy

to grandchildren. I have a grown child of my own, two

and well-adjusted. But a lot of families don’t have

stepchildren, a wonderful daughter-in-law and four

this experience.

amazing grandkids.

In many ways, I feel so blessed. But I’ve had my

So when I attended an event co-hosted by Phoenix Children’s Foundation and Arizona Charitable

challenges. My husband had a stroke within weeks of

Gift Planners, a nonprofit that supports the state’s

our arrival in Arizona. My sister, Janet, was terribly

charitable gift planning professionals, I discovered

ill. For months, I spent every day at the hospital.

how to leave a lasting legacy—one that would be

I’d work from lobbies and hospital rooms. It was a

meaningful not only to my sister but also to our

difficult time. Little wins like finding a parking spot

whole family. That was the moment I knew how I

close to the hospital entrance made life manageable.

wanted to give back to my new community.

When my sister passed away, she left me a generous

Impressed by the mission of the hospital and

gift in her estate. I knew I wanted to do something to

having experienced firsthand what compassionate

honor her and give back to this new community that

care can—and should—be, I decided to contribute

had become my home. I just wasn’t sure how.

“It really came down to my heartfelt

belief that this donation will truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

to Phoenix Children’s through a donor-advised fund (DAF).

I SET UP THE DAF IN 2024. A DAF IS AN investment account created for the sole purpose of supporting a charitable organization. I love knowing the funds directly benefit Phoenix Children’s, but there are other benefits, too.

For one, you get an immediate tax deduction.

The funds in the DAF are invested for tax-free growth, meaning the money grows while in the DAF—thus, the final gift to Phoenix Children’s may be even greater than my original investment.

But it really came down to my heartfelt belief that this donation will truly make a difference in people’s lives. The families that arrive at Phoenix Children’s have an urgent need—one that I want to support.

As for how Phoenix Children’s uses my gift, I have no preference. Wherever it’s most helpful. If that’s a new parking lot close to the hospital entrance—well, that’s just fine by me.

Carolyn Mani is building a living legacy at Phoenix Children’s. Her donor-advised fund is just the start of her impact as she explores options for investing in the health of future generations, such as an estate gift.

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THE MOMENT WHEN …

I knew my job makes a DIF F E R E N C E LISA RAMIREZ, CHILD LIFE ASSISTANT

I

studied psychology in college, but after my mother told me about Child Life, I geared my education to focus on that.

Upon graduation, I began work as a Child Life specialist, doing so for more

than 10 years before deciding to retire and raise my family.

When my daughter was a teenager, she got sick very unexpectedly. Doctors found a tumor and moved her immediately to Phoenix Children’s for care.

Her outcome was the best we could have hoped for, thank goodness—with surgery, she healed. But our experience as a patient family brought it home for me—it was in that moment that I saw just how valuable the services I had provided years ago as a Child Life specialist really are for parents and patients.

THE GOAL OF CHILD LIFE IS TO HELP CHILDREN feel comfortable, to bring normalcy to hospitalization.

We do that in many ways, much of it through play.

When parents have had their world turned upside

“When parents have had their world turned upside down, and the child doesn’t know what’s going on, everything feels new and terrifying for them.”

down, and the child doesn’t know what’s going on,

can be. I saw that firsthand when we were here with

everything feels new and terrifying for them.

my daughter. I noticed it right away, in fact, in the

Then they enter our playroom. Things look

elevator! Everybody smiled, offered to help us find our

safe; things look normal. They recognize the toys,

way, cared for us at every turn. I knew I had to return

they find their favorite video games, they dive into

to the job.

familiar activities like arts and crafts. We see relief wash over the family, and we watch the anxiety of

AS A CHILD LIFE ASSISTANT TODAY, I LOVE THE

the unknown melt from their faces.

impact I have on families. Kids who are here for long

That’s one goal—easing fears for parents and

treatments can get sad and become withdrawn, so it

patients—but it’s also educating children on what

brings joy to see them return to play and show interest

to expect. Kids learn through play, so everything

in activities they used to love.

we do in Child Life looks like play. But it’s actually

Our jobs in Child Life are funded by generous

teaching them what goes on in the hospital and

donors like you, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the

prepping them for what they’ll experience, and in a

support of this community that lets me do this work.

language they understand.

It’s where my heart is.

Everybody’s experience at Phoenix Children’s is unique. Collectively, we want to make it the best it

Lisa Ramirez is a Child Life assistant at Phoenix Children’s.

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Paula Campbell's daughter, Ashley (left), was treated at Phoenix Children's as an infant.

Now, Ashley serves as a pediatric audiologist at Phoenix Children's.

Photo Credit: Erin Ashlee

Grateful Mother’s Gift A

Paula Campbell's daughter received lifesaving care at Phoenix Children’s decades ago. Today, she’s showing her appreciation with a generous legacy gift.

P

aula Campbell has held a place in her heart for Phoenix Children’s since it saved her daughter Ashley’s life 31 years

ago. “I have such love and respect for the nurses and doctors who not only cared for Ashley, but also cared for me,” she says.

Their care was so meaningful to her that, in April 2024, Paula reached out to Phoenix Children’s Foundation, requesting information so she could name Phoenix Children’s as a beneficiary of her retirement account.

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M OM ENTS S P RI N G 20 25

Von Petersen, senior philanthropy officer at

tried to clear the toxin from her system. She

Phoenix Children’s, spoke with Paula. “She said

was intubated so she could breathe, plus she

she was updating her estate plans, and although

had an IV and a feeding tube. The doctors were

the charitable beneficiaries she named for her

worried that she might get pneumonia, which

retirement account were good causes, she said,

could be fatal.

‘Why not give to the hospital that literally saved

Full-Circle Care: The Beginning of Ashley's Journey More than 30 years ago, Ashley's care team at Phoenix Children's saved her life. Now, Ashley cares for kids at Phoenix Children's—the same way she was cared for as an infant.

my child’s life?!’”

Paula shared the ordeal her family faced, and

CARING FOR A SICK BABY— AND A DISTRAUGHT MOTHER

why she is so grateful to the health care team at

Ashley was in the pediatric intensive care unit for

Phoenix Children’s.

nearly seven weeks. Paula spent every day with her. She says, “The nurses were amazing. They

A LIFE-THREATENING DIAGNOSIS

would help me through my crying and let me

When Ashley was just 3 weeks old, she wouldn’t

hold Ashley and rock her.”

eat. “She would try to suck on her bottle, but she

It was devastating for Paula to leave Ashley

just couldn’t,” Paula says. In an emergency room

every evening and go home. “Our house seemed

in Mesa, Ashley began to have trouble breathing.

so empty after having a baby there,” she says.

Her condition was critical, and the team

Over time, Ashley started to make small

prepared to transfer her to Phoenix Children’s by

movements—signs that she was recovering the

air ambulance.

use of her muscles. They removed her ventilator

“I said, ‘Is she going to live?’ And the doctor said, ‘I don’t know.’ A nurse came out and

and moved her to a regular room in the hospital.

After two days there, she was able to go home.

asked if we had called clergy. It was just such a whirlwind. Life was falling apart,” Paula says.

While the family was rushing to Phoenix

A SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY AFTER MONTHS OF CARE

Children’s, Ashley’s health care team contacted

Today, Ashley Geske is a healthy adult, with no

Paul Liu, MD, a pediatric critical care specialist.

long-lasting effects from her illness. She says

Over the phone, after asking where they lived

she grew up dreaming of working at Phoenix

and what Ashley’s symptoms were, he reached

Children’s someday. That dream came true, and

a diagnosis: infantile botulism, a rare condition

now she’s a pediatric audiologist, caring for

caused by airborne spores near the family’s home.

children who have hearing loss.

Ashley’s young immune system wasn’t strong

Recognizing Ashley’s love for her job and the

enough to fight off the germs. Infantile botulism

children she works with, Paula has earmarked

was slowly paralyzing her.

her gift for the audiology department at

Knowing the diagnosis didn’t mean Ashley’s

Phoenix Children’s. “Her legacy gift and future

struggles were over. At the time, there was no

annual gifts will benefit the wonderful care

treatment for the infection. All the health care

the audiology program provides at Phoenix

team could do was support Ashley while she

Children’s,” Petersen says.

Make Your Legacy Count One of the easiest ways to make a legacy gift is to name Phoenix Children’s as a beneficiary of your retirement account. Because distributions from inherited retirement plans are taxable as ordinary income for your children or other heirs, this retirement asset is a good choice for charity. Contact your retirement account manager for a beneficiary form or scan the QR code.

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Scott Bindley founded Wheelz That Heal, a program that restores and auctions vehicles and donates the proceeds to Phoenix Children’s Integrative Medicine program.

Driven by

Love

Fueled by a father’s passion, Wheelz That Heal is funding Phoenix Children’s Integrative Medicine program, which helps kids thrive by treating the whole child—beyond just their diagnosis.

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cott Bindley knows how valuable integrative medicine is, and he’s determined to support it for the children of Arizona. A screenwriter

and film industry veteran, Bindley splits his time between Los Angeles and Phoenix. “I’m in the film and television business, mostly screenplays,” he says. “My brother has a production company in LA, and we’ve been partnering on film and TV projects for 40 years.”

While storytelling is his profession, philanthropy is his passion. Through a unique fundraising initiative called Wheelz That Heal, Bindley is raising money for Phoenix Children’s Integrative Medicine program, ensuring other families have access to the kind of whole-child care he wishes had been available when his own daughters needed it.

During a collaborative design session, Scott Bindley joins young patients from Phoenix Children’s Integrative Medicine program to help reimagine a one-of-a-kind Wheelz That Heal car.

SEEING THE DIFFERENCE IN TEGRATI VE MEDICINE CAN MAKE Integrative medicine focuses on treating the whole child, not just a diagnosis. It addresses lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, activities and stressors to improve a child’s overall health and wellness.

Bindley’s appreciation for integrative medicine began when his identical twin daughters were diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at 12 years old. “We thought, ‘What if—along with managing this disease—we focused on maximizing their baseline health?’” he says.

Inspired by Scott’s wife, Polly, the Bindley family took a proactive approach. “Polly researched holistic treatments, practitioners and especially clean, healthy diets—and soon we all became passionate about it,” Bindley says.

Today, his daughters are thriving college seniors at Purdue University and the Savannah College of Art and Design. “They’re managing their own health and feel as well as they ever have,” Bindley says.

“We want to make this into something that can impact more people and change the course of their health.”

— SCOTT BINDLEY, WHEELZ THAT HEAL FOUNDER

CONNECTING A HOBBY WITH A PASSION Bindley, who’s also a Phoenix Children’s Foundation board member, launched Wheelz That Heal—a program that restores donated or discounted vehicles and sells them to fund the Integrative Medicine program.

He initially planned to modify and auction just one car and donate the money to Phoenix

B RINGING WHOLE-CHILD CARE TO PHOENI X CHILDREN’S

Children’s, but after securing donations from

When Bindley’s daughters were diagnosed,

do so much more.

there was no integrative medicine program for guidance and support. Now, Phoenix Children’s

mechanics and suppliers, he realized he could “Nobody said no,” he says.

Bindley started a Facebook page to document

has an Integrative Medicine program that

the restoration process and thank donors. “It

welcomes families looking to approach their

grew into Wheelz That Heal. We’ve done more

child’s care from multiple angles. The team

than 20 cars,” he says. One car they’re restoring

works with children with allergies, asthma,

is even being designed entirely by patients in the

ADHD, chronic pain, gastrointestinal conditions,

Integrative Medicine program.

obesity, metabolic syndrome and more.

So far, Wheelz That Heal has donated more

According to Sarjita Shukla, MD, the

than $1.6 million to Phoenix Children’s—and

medical director of Integrative Medicine

Bindley aims to raise $500,000 in 2025 alone.

at Phoenix Children’s, the program isn’t an

He’s been reaching out to dealerships, suggesting

alternative to conventional medicine—it’s

they showcase cars from which proceeds benefit

a complement.

Phoenix Children’s. Beyond that, he’s tapping into

“It’s about empowering children and families to become ambassadors for their

the collector car community in the greater Phoenix area, as well as auto enthusiasts of all kinds.

own health,” Dr. Shukla says. “And as patients

“I think we’re just scratching the surface on

transition into adulthood, we want them to be

this,” he says. “We want to make this into something

able to speak for themselves, identify health

that can impact more people and change the course

concerns and be involved in their care plan.”

of their health.”

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H E A L I N G S PAC E S

The Happiest Place in the Hospital In the heart of Phoenix Children’s, amid the buzz of medical care, lies a sanctuary where laughter heals and childhood thrives. The Child Life Zone awaits.

N

estled within the bustling corridors of Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus, there’s a therapeutic space

unlike any other—a vibrant retreat where the laughter of children mingles with the whirl of arcade games and the hum

1 2 3

of creativity. Opened in 2012 and recently revamped through an endowment from Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation, the 3,800-square-foot space caters to the diverse interests of its visitors. This is The Child Life Zone, affectionately known simply as “The Zone,” a haven designed to whisk young patients and their families away from the rigors of hospital life. Here, we offer an insider’s look at The Zone.

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CENTER STAGE A broadcast studio allows children to participate in interactive shows and performances, while a music studio complete with instruments provides a place to lose themselves in a jam session.

GAMES GALORE A gaming area beckons with digital entertainment, drawing kids into a world of fun and distraction. Nearby, an arcade-style basketball hoop, pool and air hockey tables, and nostalgic pinball and classic arcade games spark friendly competition and plenty of smiles.

CRAFTS CENTRAL A dedicated craft center invites budding artists to explore their imaginations through various projects, providing a therapeutic outlet that complements medical treatment.

FOR FAMILIES The Zone provides families with comfort and community, where laughter and play offer moments of pure childhood, even amid challenging treatments.

COMMON C AUSE

Events That Make Moments Possible

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

Beach Ball Royale

Team Taylor Family Fun Run

Concours in the Hills

More than 500 community and

More than 800 runners gathered

The “greatest car show on grass” featured

industry leaders gathered for a

for the 13th annual Team Taylor

over 1,000 vehicles and raised more than

night of resort-style sophistication,

Family Fun Run, raising valuable

$430,000 to fund Phoenix Children’s

raising over $1.2 million in critical

funds for the Home Safety and

Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders

funds for Phoenix Children’s.

Safe Sleep Program.

and the Cardiothoracic Surgery Fund.

UPCOMING EVENTS GIVE-A-THON August 2025 Tune in to KTAR News 92.3 FM and Arizona Sports 98.7 FM for the Give-A-Thon, the nation’s largest radiothon for a children’s hospital.

GiveAThonForPCH.org

SPOOKTACULAR SPRINT & 5K October 25, 2025 Join over 2,000 fitness enthusiasts and families in downtown Phoenix for a Halloween-themed 5K benefiting Phoenix Children’s.

PhoenixChildrens5K.org

GOLF TOURNAMENT November 21, 2025 Hit the green with 300+ community leaders and philanthropists at Phoenix Children’s 26th annual Golf Tournament.

PCHGolf.com

IGNITE HOPE December 13, 2025 Help raise funds for Phoenix Children’s while showing patients and their families they’re not alone during the holidays.

PCHIgniteHope.org

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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID

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

A Legacy of

The Legacy Society is a group of committed Phoenix Children’s supporters who have made an investment in a healthier future for Arizona children with a gift in their will or trust.

Through their foresight and generosity, members make a lasting impact by leaving a legacy that will ensure the health and well-being of future generations.

To learn how a simple decision today can create a legacy of hope, please visit GiveToPCH.org/Legacy or contact us at 602-933-3870 or giftplanning@phoenixchildrens.com.

PHOENIX AZ PERMIT NO. 961