THE INSIDER

A family affair 3 big events that will make a big impact

Driven to give

Little compares with the empathy of a caregiver who understands the stresses patients and their families endure. Health care workers like Justine Hunter, a medical assistant care coordinator at Phoenix Children’s, go the extra mile daily for their patients. And now, she’ll go the distance in a brand-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson.

The Valley Hyundai Dealers recognized Hunter’s exceptional service in their Salute to Phoenix Children’s contest, in which patients and their families nominated staff who had made an impact on them. Hunter, the grand prize winner, was honored alongside finalists Sue Putzier and Marcella Powell at the Arizona Cardinals Monday Night Football game December 12.

When Jim and Alice Bazlen decided to set up charitable remainder unitrusts for their grown children, Robert Bazlen and Kristin Balducci, they selected Phoenix Children’s as their beneficiary. Alice, a longtime WINGS (When In Need Grandmas Serve) member, and Jim have supported the hospital’s art therapy program for three years and have seen how art can help hurting children heal. “Children often find it easier to share their feelings through art than with words,” Alice says. Support for vital programs like art therapy will continue on with Robert’s and Kristin’s planned gifts. Their legacy donations were honored with two paintings, hand-selected by Robert, Kristin and their spouses, that will be displayed in the emergency department. It was only natural they go to the dogs—paintings, that is. After all, the couples have three pups each.

Both families know how the emergency department can be a scary place for kids and parents alike. But now, two furry friends—complete with lolling tongues and colors aplenty—will greet them, thanks to the Bazlen family’s sustained support.