Phoenix Children's - Moments Spring 2024

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The New Frontier

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H O P E S & D R E A M S SPRIN G 20 20

How groundbreaking innovations are redefining possibilities at Phoenix Children’s.

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

Contents

CHAIR

Taylor Burke Rainy Partners

SPRING 2024 DEPARTMENTS

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Spaces 18 Healing Get a behind-the-scenes look inside the new neurodiagnostic sleep laboratory at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus.

Cause 19 Common Find out how you can get involved in upcoming events that support Phoenix Children’s patients and their families.

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M O M E N T S S P R I N G 20 24

to push the boundaries of pediatric medicine, allowing us to

EMERITUS

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S PRESIDENT AND CEO

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

Steven S. Schnall

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The New Frontier: Innovation Making an Impact Breakthrough drugs, revolutionary technology and lifechanging surgeries are transforming care at Phoenix Children’s.

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Family Values For years, the Ghiz family has championed a series of philanthropic initiatives at Phoenix Children’s. Now brothers Anthony and Nick are helping build a bold new future for pediatric mental health programs.

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the landscape of children’s health care.

Through the power of philanthropy, we have been able to build innovative programs, invest in state-ofthe-art medical equipment and technology, and attract internationally renowned physician-researchers to our health system. Your support has played a pivotal role in providing our young patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and personalized care, ensuring they have the best possible outcomes.

In this issue of Moments, you’ll see inspiring examples of how philanthropy has helped fuel our innovation. For

Tarl J. Robinson Plexus Worldwide

Wallace, MD, MBA, is bringing much-needed pediatric

instance, thanks to our community’s generosity, Maegen orthopedic care to the Southwest (see page 6). And ongoing

Michael Bill MJ Insurance

support helps neurologists like Saunder Bernes, MD, and

Scott Bindley Screenwriter

treatments (see page 8). The ripple effect of

Michael C. Kruer, MD, test groundbreaking new their work will touch patients and their

J. Paul Rhodes Community Volunteer

families for years to come.

Ahron Cohen Polar Sun Ventures

ever-evolving journey into the future

Ed Grant Scottsdale Investment Management Shane Doan Toronto Maple Leafs

A Legacy of Impact Thirty-six years of giving are just the beginning for George and Jennie Scarfo. The Arizona couple wants their legacy of support to last for future generations.

develop groundbreaking initiatives that have transformed

Kevin Czerwinski Merit Partners, Inc.

Questions 7 5Madison is only 12 years old, but living with several complex medical conditions has given her a unique outlook on overcoming adversity.

philanthropy is an essential catalyst for game-changing

innovation. Your generous contributions have empowered us

Larry Clemmensen Community Volunteer

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t Phoenix Children’s, we firmly believe that

PAST CHAIR

Sheila Zuieback Halle Family Foundation

Phoenix Children’s.

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Alexa Schneider Kimbell, Inc. VICE CHAIR/SECRETARY

Insider 4 The Updates from around

A New Era of Orthopedic Care Dr. Maegen Wallace is transforming the landscape of care for children with rare orthopedic conditions in the Southwest.

DEAR FRIENDS,

BOARD MEMBERS

Thank you for being a part of this of health care. Together, we’re setting the pace for children’s health.

Sincerely,

Lisa Graziosi Extension Bar

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 24

The New Frontier

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H O P E S & D R E A M S SP RIN G 2020

How groundbreaking innovations are redefining possibilities at Phoenix Children’s.

On the Cover: Phoenix Children’s is helping children like Christopher, 6, with groundbreaking therapies and advanced technologies.

STEVE SCHNALL Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer

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.

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The Insider

Updates From Around Phoenix Children’s

The gift of play Last year, Buckeye-based Funko Toys donated over $50,000 worth of toys to Phoenix Children’s Toyland, which allows families to select brand-new holiday

Volunteers Jack Gallagher, Antonia Borggreen and Steve Salatino

gifts for patients and their siblings at no cost. Any surplus toys from Toyland are donated to Phoenix Children’s Toy Program, which provides toys to patients year-round. Funko’s gift resulted in:

Stories of service Stories of generosity and hope come from Phoenix Children’s every day—but for three volunteers, giving back is just part of who they are.

8,000

2,000+ items distributed

gifts for former patients

available to patients

during the holiday

at the annual NICU

and their siblings.

season.

Reunion in March.

toys and gifts

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Children’s patients even more special.

“If I can be a kid at times with them, I would love to provide that special moment to make them laugh or smile, with the patient, their sibling or even just comforting the parents,” she says.

“I just want to give anything I can.”

Jack Gallagher: A new generation of leadership

to heal through art and music

As one of the Phoenix Children’s

Phoenix Children’s, the Therapeutic

Steve Salatino: A call that changed everything

Foundation’s giving groups, the

Arts Program didn’t exist,” he says.

For Steve Salatino, it was chance

Teen Board advocates for others,

“The program would have let her

that led him through the doors.

creates community awareness and

stop being a patient and just be a kid

Manning the phones at a KTAR News

fundraises—and for some members,

for a while.”

and Arizona Sports Give-A-Thon,

it’s a cause that hits close to home.

Salatino says he “was so touched by

“It means a lot

Morning meals that make a difference

foundation that directly impacts the lives of

the experiences the families shared

sister was hospitalized with life-

Antonia Borggreen: Bringing joy amid adversity

threatening blood clots at Phoenix

Antonia Borggreen started

in that I decided then that Phoenix

Children’s,” says Teen Board President

volunteering with Rainbow Kids

Children’s was going to be my

Arizona breakfast eatery Over Easy is on

In addition to the ongoing fundraising, in April the restaurant and hospital teamed

“When I was in seventh grade, my

and the generosity of people calling

children across our state and the country,” says Brian Terpay, chief operating officer of Over Easy.

Jack Gallagher. “The incredible work

activities for patients of the Center for

charity of choice as well as a place to

a mission to raise $100,000 for Phoenix

done by Phoenix Children’s saved my

Cancer and Blood Disorders and their

volunteer my time.”

Children’s in 2024. Throughout the year,

up with Shamrock Farms/Hickman’s

sister’s life.”

families. “I got to see firsthand what

And Salatino keeps coming

$1 from every kids menu purchase at any

Eggs for an additional register campaign

families go through and it literally

back. Since retiring in 2016, he’s been

Over Easy location will be donated to the

to support both Phoenix Children’s and

volunteering at the hospital and the

Hope Fund, which provides support to the

United Food Bank. Over Easy matched

Foundation office—from working

areas of greatest need.

diner donations to Phoenix Children’s,

Under Gallagher’s leadership, the Teen Board has raised over $40,000 to support the hospital’s

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therapy. “When my sister was at

broke my heart,” she says.

Borggreen says she loves children

Therapeutic Arts Program, which

but is unable to have her own,

the front desk to decorating for the

gives hospitalized patients a chance

making her interaction with Phoenix

holidays to stuffing envelopes.

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“As an Arizona native and father of two, it means a lot to be able to work alongside a

to be able to work alongside a foundation that directly impacts the lives of children.”

— BRIAN TERPAY, COO, OVER EASY

while Hickman’s donated a dozen eggs per dollar to the food bank.

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5 QUESTIONS

P H I L A N T H R O P Y

I N

A C T I O N

A New Era of Orthopedic Care

Pushing Through the Pain

Dr. Maegen Wallace is transforming the landscape of care for children with rare orthopedic conditions in the Southwest.

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or children with rare orthopedic conditions, accessing care is a challenge. But with the

recent addition of orthopedic surgeon Maegen Wallace, MD, MBA, Phoenix Children’s is helping families across the Southwest get expert care for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, and other conditions.

“OI care in the eastern part of the U.S. and the

With the addition of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Maegen Wallace, Phoenix Children’s now offers specialized care for rare conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, helping children across the Southwest.

Madison is only 12 years old, but living with several complex medical conditions has given her a unique outlook on overcoming adversity.

D

espite grappling with several medical conditions—including brittle bone disease

and a disorder that affects her connective tissues—Madison remains resilient. Though her medical state can alter the course of her day, it doesn’t dictate the path of her life. Madison is a dedicated student, a musician and a cheerleader. She’s a girl who, at a young age, has learned that acceptance leads to perseverance.

You are in a cast three or four times a year— how do you make the best of these situations?

Midwest is quite good,” explains Dr. Wallace, who is one of the busiest OI surgeons in the country, operating on over 70 patients yearly. “But there weren’t any big centers in the Southwest.”

Children with OI are often born with fractures

What do you love about Phoenix Children’s?

I love Phoenix Children’s because I’m so comfortable now.

I have them rub glitter

and suffer a lot of broken bones throughout

I’m not overwhelmed

all over my cast when

childhood. “The surgeries and interventions that

and scared anymore.

they make it. I’ve

I can do make it so that they have less fractures,”

I know what to expect.

gotten to the point

she says. “They can be more like a kid when they

where I bring in my

aren’t worrying about broken bones all the time.”

own glitter, and I do

When Dr. Wallace arrived at Phoenix

different colored casts.

Children’s in September 2023, her priority was to launch a multidisciplinary OI clinic. The twice-monthly clinic started in November and has since filled quickly and may soon increase

PMS

PMS

trial for a drug that shows promise in increasing

frequency as a result of this early success.

bone density in children with OI.

“I think there are a lot more kids in Arizona with OI than anyone even realized,” Dr. Wallace

Philanthropy not only allows Phoenix

says. “With our dedicated clinic, those patients

Children’s to recruit acclaimed physicians like

have a place to come.” In the calendar year prior to

Dr. Wallace, but it can also help patients access

Dr. Wallace’s arrival, Phoenix Children’s surgeons

To learn about CMYK

conducted three OI surgeries. In just a few short

other ways

months, she quadrupled that number as families

have access to good multispecialty care because

is advancing

it’s not available in your state or you don’t have the

In addition to her clinical and surgical

pediatric orthopedic

Institutes of Health–funded, multisite

can’t do that.’ Everyone caught on that I injure easily when I often showed up in a wheelchair or cast. They do not fully know what’s wrong, and I don’t want them to know. That’s why I don’t tell anyone—I want to be treated like everybody else.

CMYK

Phoenix Children’s

important OI research, including a National

I don’t go up to someone and tell them everything. I just say, ‘I

“If you have a rare disease like OI and you don’t

traveled from all over the country to see her. expertise, Dr. Wallace is contributing to

How do you think your medical challenges have propelled you to grow?

When things do not go as planned, I remain calm. One time I was walking into school, and I couldn’t do it. I had

means to get it, then philanthropy can help kids

What would you say to someone who has given a donation to help kids like you?

care, visit

gain access to the care they deserve,” Dr. Wallace

Thank you. When I walk through Phoenix Children’s, I see many kids who have

away. Sometimes I get

GiveToPCH.org/

says. “A lot of families have to travel. If we can

it worse than me. You’re not giving to one group of kids—you’re giving to people

sad if I miss something.

help with travel support or care navigation while

who have different problems going on with their bodies. It’s not just a place for

But overall, I have

they’re here, those families are super grateful.”

sick kids. It’s a place for children who are trying to get better at things.

become a calm person.

Knockout White

Ortho.

longitudinal study as well as a pharmaceutical

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better care.

Do you want the other kids at school to know about your medical condition?

Knockout White

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to go back home right

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Knockout Black

Knockout Black

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THE NE W FRO NTIER

Innovation Making an Impact Breakthrough drugs, revolutionary technology and life-changing surgeries are transforming care at Phoenix Children’s.

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Miracle Drug

Dr. Saunder Bernes knew the drug Zolgensma could be a life-changing treatment for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) like Emily.

Ashley says. “I didn’t want to wait a year to see if she would take those first steps that Christopher

ONE DOSE CHANGES A FA M I LY ’ S FU T U R E

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missed out on, which is silly because as a mom, you want to enjoy those first few months.”

Emily took her first steps at 14 months old.

Today, 4-year-old Emily is symptom-free. She

shley and Joshua’s son, Christopher, was born a seemingly healthy boy in 2017.

When he didn’t start walking by 20 months, Christopher was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease causing severe muscle weakness that can affect not only a child’s ability to walk but to eat, speak and breathe. Severe forms of SMA can cause lifelong disability and even death.

For a long time, there were no approved treatments for SMA, which affects one in 15,000 babies born in the U.S. While health care teams did everything they could to provide patients with nutritional and respiratory support, there was nothing to improve motor function.

By the time Christopher was diagnosed with SMA, there was a treatment available that could stop the progression of the disease. However, it must be administered every four months for the rest of the patient’s life. Though Christopher

The science surrounding SMA is advancing quickly, thanks in part to research being conducted at Phoenix Children’s.

Dr. Bernes currently has several patients, including Christopher, in a clinical trial testing drugs to help improve muscle strength.

couple question whether they wanted to have a second child. SMA is a genetic disease, and they knew that if they had another baby, that child might have SMA, too.

But the release of Zolgensma in 2019

SMA,” Joshua says.

The treatment that Christopher receives, Spinraza, also stops the progression of SMA, but because he was not diagnosed until after symptoms appeared, he still experiences some effects of the disease. But even though Christopher hasn’t met all his developmental milestones, his strength and mobility have greatly improved. “It’s been exciting to watch his development,” Dr. Bernes says. “I’ve known Christopher since he crawled, and now, he can walk by himself, and his upper extremities are stronger or equal to most kids his age.”

Joshua says he’s pleased with his son’s progress, too. “If Christopher hadn’t received treatment, now as a 6-year-old, he would likely

Scan here to watch Christopher and Emily’s story.

Progress in understanding SMA is rapidly evolving, propelled in part by ongoing research at Phoenix Children’s. Dr. Bernes is actively involved in two clinical trials dedicated to studying medications that enhance muscle strength, involving patients like Christopher.

changed everything. Dr. Bernes knew the drug

“The timing of everything is surreal,”

could be a life-changing treatment for families

Ashley says. “Having kids in this time when

like Ashley and Joshua’s. While Zolgensma

the medical field is exploding is a blessing, and

hen people ask neurologist

and addressing unmet needs to advancing

doesn’t have the power to reverse SMA

having a hospital that keeps up with all the new

personalized medicine and fostering

symptoms in patients like Christopher, the

treatments is even better.”

worked at Phoenix Children’s for

multidisciplinary collaboration, innovation is a

one-time gene-therapy treatment can increase

37 years, when he’s going to retire,

core tenet of Phoenix Children’s mission.

the likelihood of normal motor development if

he says he doesn’t know. After all,

“Innovation—it’s in every single thing we do,” says Jared Muenzer, MD, MBA, chief physician

administered before symptoms appear.

In 2020, Ashley and Joshua welcomed Emily

executive at Phoenix Children’s and COO of

into the world. Three days later, they learned

not a cure, for diseases we never thought we’d

Phoenix Children’s Medical Group. “It’s in the way

through genetic testing that Emily also had SMA.

be able to, is the reason I continue to work,”

we approach problems at every level, and we’re

“It should have been devastating news,” Ashley

Dr. Bernes says.

so fortunate that [President and CEO Robert L.

says. “But I felt hope in Zolgensma. I believed we

Dr. Bernes is just one of the hundreds

Meyer] gives us the freedom and support to do it.”

could stop the disease in its tracks.”

of Phoenix Children’s physicians driving

Dr. Bernes and other physicians at the Barrow

Dr. Bernes did, too. At just under 6 weeks

advancements in the rapidly evolving

Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s show

old, Emily received her one and only dose of

landscape of pediatric health care.

how research and innovation can help patients

Zolgensma at Phoenix Children’s. “That day I

From expanding medical knowledge

and families walk forward.

remember feeling anxious and exhilarated,”

“To be able to offer a family treatment, if

M O M E N T S S P R I N G 20 24

we don’t even think about the fact that she has

Saunder Bernes, MD, who has

it’s too exciting a time in medicine.

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around her neighborhood. “Most of the time,

be in a power wheelchair,” he says.

was progressing well, the toll that the ongoing treatment took on him and their family made the

loves to dance, play soccer and ride her scooter

Christopher’s strength and mobility have greatly improved with the aid of new treatments.

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From Wheelchair to Mountaintop:

treatment for severe dystonia that historically was reserved for adult patients. “What we’re dealing with is essentially elective brain surgery, which is a really scary proposition

GI A N N A’ S I N S P I R I N G S TO RY

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we’ve figured out ways to make DBS more and more effective, which makes us more confident using it earlier and earlier.”

t 8 years old, Gianna was diagnosed with

During the procedure, surgeons implant

dystonia, a movement disorder that

affects about 250,000 people of all ages in the

thin, flexible wires called electrodes into

U.S. The neurological condition causes signals

specific areas of the brain that control

from the brain to become “out of sync,” causing

movement. They then implant a small

involuntary muscle contractions.

pacemaker-like device called a neurostimulator

People who have dystonia experience symptoms including uncontrollable twisting, repetitive movements, and abnormal and painful postures. “If you’ve ever experienced a charley horse, you’ve experienced a mild form of dystonia,” says Michael C. Kruer, MD, director of the Pediatric Movement Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s.

Dystonia can affect any part of the body— including the arms, legs, head and neck, or even specific muscle groups like the vocal cords— and is often debilitating. The intensity of the symptoms can also vary over time. “Many kids with dystonia can have chronic, near-constant symptoms but also have symptoms that come and go,” Dr. Kruer says. “Their symptoms can get much worse when they are sick or stressed and can be triggered by common things like a

Phoenix Children’s stands out as part of a small group of health care networks providing pediatric deep brain stimulation (DBS), a type of neuromodulation leveraging technology to support the normalization of brain cell firing.

under the skin of the patient’s chest below the collarbone. Once programmed by a neurologist, the neurostimulator delivers steady electrical pulses to correct abnormal or overactive brain rhythms that are causing involuntary muscle contractions and movements. The treatment isn’t available everywhere.

“Phoenix Children’s is one of a handful of health systems that offer pediatric DBS, a form of minimally invasive neuromodulation that uses technology to help brain cells to fire more normally,” Dr. Kruer says.

to have real-time brain activity data on tablets.

At first, Nora was skeptical. “It was just

“Having such exact information has been

really overwhelming in the beginning,” she

an absolute game changer,” he says. “We can

dystonia and other movement disorders,

says. “I mean, any mother, when they hear

make adjustments during their visits and

Dr. Kruer serves on the executive committee

brain surgery—it’s really scary. Plus, people

immediately see the results on the monitors,

of PEDiDBS, an international consortium

were telling us it wouldn’t work.”

which is enabling us to optimize their settings

of health systems that collects and shares a

much better.”

registry of clinical DBS data. The consortium

And sometimes DBS doesn’t work. Research suggests that an average patient who undergoes

Ultimately, Nora decided DBS would be the

Not long after undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in March 2023, Gianna was able to walk without assistance, mitigating the effects of dystonia. Today, she can join her brother on hikes.

But Phoenix Children’s isn’t stopping there.

To continue to improve DBS for children with

allows Phoenix Children’s neurologists to

DBS has a 35% improvement in symptoms.

best option for her daughter, and Gianna had

partner globally with other physicians and

Fortunately for Gianna, Dr. Kruer and his

the surgery in March 2023. Not long after, she

scientists to study how best to use DBS

colleagues had recently figured out a way to

was able to walk without assistance. By fall,

technologies to help kids.

optimize the treatment for pediatric patients.

she started riding the bus to school again. And

drowsiness, depression and insomnia. Severe

“One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced

during her 2023 winter break, Gianna climbed

more about the brain than ever before,” Dr.

dystonia is particularly difficult to control with

with DBS is that there is a delay between when

South Mountain with her brother. “I mean, that’s

Kruer says. “There’s still an awful lot we need to

medication alone.

we program a child’s neurostimulator and

amazing,” Dr. Kruer says. “She went from not

learn, but we’re starting to offer surgeries and

when the dystonia improves. It doesn’t usually

being able to walk to hiking an entire mountain.”

treatment options like this to more and more of

touch, a startle or emotion.”

Dystonia is often treated with medication, but it doesn’t work for everyone and may result in unpleasant side effects, including

By 12, Gianna’s dystonia had gotten bad enough that she had to use a wheelchair to get

happen right before our eyes—it often takes

around school. Her mother, Nora, recalls how

days or weeks for the movement disorder to

much time getting the wheelchair in and out

improve,” Dr. Kruer says. “This ‘set-check-

of the car would add to outings. “It came apart

adjust’ process can take several weeks, which

in four different pieces,” she says. “So anytime

impacts our patients’ quality of life.”

we went anywhere I’d have to take it apart, and

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for most families,” he says. “But over the years

So Phoenix Children’s found a solution.

then we’d have to get there early so I could find

Neurologists at the Barrow Neurological

parking and reassemble it again.”

Institute monitor and record a child’s brain

Then Dr. Kruer told Gianna and Nora

rhythms with neurostimulators. BrainSense

about deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical

technology allows Dr. Kruer and his colleagues

M O M E N T S S P RI N G 20 24

“It’s really an exciting time, because we know

our patients and their families.”

Support innovation in neurology If you’re inspired by these stories of advancements in pediatric neuroscience and would like to learn how you can make an impact on children’s health, please contact Jana Earnest, senior philanthropy officer at Phoenix Children’s Foundation, at 602-933-1857 or jearnest@phoenixchildrens.com.

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Family Values

For years, the Ghiz family has championed a series of philanthropic initiatives at Phoenix Children’s. Now brothers Anthony and Nick are helping build a bold new future for pediatric mental health programs.

W

hen Nick Ghiz was 27 years old, he discovered the secret to life. After years of battling addiction and

“We wanted to build something special and unique in the Valley— and give back,” says Anthony Ghiz (left). Co-founders of Paramount Luxury Development, Anthony and brother Nick (right) are donating a portion of every home they sell to Phoenix Children’s.

mental health issues, he spent three days at a motivational conference in Dallas that would change the course of his life and, eventually, the lives of countless others.

“During the conference, there was a lot of talk about the power of giving,” Nick, now 35, says. “For whatever reason, that really struck a chord with me. I knew from that point on that nothing was more important than giving back,

A FAMILY COMMITMENT

But that was just the beginning. Nick wanted to

BUILDING A LASTING IMPACT

and it felt like I’d unlocked that secret code, that

In 2019, the entire Ghiz family—Nick, his siblings

find a cause even closer to home. “My greatest struggle

Paramount Luxury recently sold its first home

Substance & Style

Annalise and Anthony, and parents Buzz and

in life is mental health,” he says. “So, I thought, how

under the partnership—resulting in a $25,000

When he returned home to Phoenix, he

Janice—wanted to make a tangible difference.

do I turn that into my greatest strength?”

gift to benefit the health system’s emergency

began making weekly donations to Phoenix

Proceeds from

Buzz and Janice met Jared T. Muenzer, MD,

To do that, Nick and Anthony, co-founders

mental health services—and Nick and Anthony

Children’s and soon enlisted the rest of his

the sale of

MBA, chief physician executive at Phoenix

of Paramount Luxury Development, decided to

are eager to see what the future holds. They are

family to join him in supporting the hospital.

Museum House,

Children’s and COO of Phoenix Children’s

donate a portion of the proceeds from every home

vocal mental health advocates and happy to share

Thanks to the Ghiz family’s long-standing

Paramount

Medical Group, and were moved by the work at

sale to support Phoenix Children’s patient families

their story, but the branch into pediatric mental

commitment to giving back, it wasn’t a hard sell.

Luxury’s $9

Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood

and mental health initiatives. The brothers say

health care isn’t about their family; it’s about

million home in

Disorders (CCBD). The whole family made a

connecting their philanthropy to a profitable

something bigger. They’ve learned how COVID-19

mom and my dad always giving back to their

Paradise Valley,

generous contribution to fund clinical research

enterprise like Paramount ensures they can

magnified the mental health crisis, especially for

community through donations, through their

will support

at the center permanently. The gift not only gave

consistently offer significant gifts to improve mental

young people, and how emergency departments

church, or just helping people out whenever

patient families

Phoenix Children’s the resources it needed year

health care. “We have been given the opportunity

are still overfilled with children in need.

they saw a need,” Nick says. “We’d never pass a

and mental

after year to pursue a cure for cancer, but it also

to receive so much—and the opportunity to share,”

homeless person on the street without giving

health initiatives

connected the Ghiz family legacy to Phoenix

says Anthony, who also volunteers weekly at

or not, but I’m a believer in building my legacy,”

them either food or money. Tangible things like

at Phoenix

Children’s for decades to come. Today, Buzz sits

Phoenix Children’s Child Life Zone, a unique state-

Nick says. “Right now, my kids are the Phoenix

that really left an impact on us kids.”

Children’s.

on the CCBD Advisory Board.

of-the-art therapeutic play area.

Children’s kids. Those kids are my legacy.”

key to life that everyone is looking for.”

“Growing up, I was able to witness both my

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“I don’t know if I will have kids in the future

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Legacy of Impact

A

CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT

“we decided the patients of Phoenix Children’s

In addition to the Legacy Society, the Scarfos

would be our children.”

are part of Innovation Circle, a giving group

the final installment to improve the playground

projects led by Phoenix Children’s physicians,

on the Thomas Campus; donating to the Homeless

researchers and clinical leaders.

Youth Outreach program, which provides free

Members’ gifts are pooled to form a grant

Thirty-six years of giving are just the beginning for George and Jennie Scarfo.

The Arizona couple wants their legacy of support to last for future generations.

And they’ve already made an impact, providing

whose participants jointly invest in high-impact

comprehensive medical care to unhoused youth;

fund. Proposed projects are pitched to the group,

and funding a year’s worth of the Patient and

and members vote on how to allocate funding.

Family Assistance Fund to provide emergency

“We’re in the decision-making process, and we get

relief to patient families experiencing financial

to vote,” George says. “You feel like you’re making

hardship. The fifth-floor playroom on the Thomas

a contribution just by raising your hand.”

Campus carries the Scarfos’ name as well.

The ability to connect with leaders, clinicians

In gratitude for their many years of

and staff is one of the many reasons why the

volunteerism and philanthropy, the Scarfos have

couple keeps their philanthropic emphasis

been named Phoenix Children’s first-ever Legacy

on Phoenix Children’s. Over the years, they’ve

Society Honorees of the Year.

gotten to know the doctors, nurses and other

With more than 36 years of active

staff members. “Among the people who work

involvement, along with their legacy gift that

at the hospital, there’s a pervasive attitude of,

will continue to support Phoenix Children’s for

‘What can I do to help your children, and what

years to come, the Scarfos know they’re doing

can I do to help you?’ Everyone takes their work

something valuable for the community. “It’s

seriously,” George says.

something that gives us satisfaction,” George

The couple also volunteers at the hospital

says. “A financial gift is an easy thing to do, but

several times a year, doing everything from

when you get yourself involved, it’s so much more

manning the coffee cart to making arts and

meaningful. We feel like we’re part of the family.”

crafts with the kids to delivering teddy bears and toys to patients. “We get a lot of joy out of seeing the smiles on the children’s faces,” George says.

“The bravery of these kids is amazing.”

Plus, the couple can be spotted at events, assisting with fundraisers and various holiday festivities, and regularly attending fundraising functions such as Beach Ball. George has even volunteered to coach researchers and clinicians on public speaking and presentation skills to help them improve their chances of getting

W

funding for their work. “There is a limited hen George and Jennie Scarfo

“Why would we get involved out of state?” George

moved to Arizona in 1965, they were

asked. “Let’s take care of our own local kids.”

seeking a drier climate for George’s

health. Beyond building a new sense of home,

time and made annual financial contributions

the couple wanted to embrace and support the

to improve the health of Arizona’s children,

local community.

but they don’t want to stop there. As longtime

Originally, the Scarfos were supporters of

16

For 36 years, the Scarfos have given their

As esteemed members of the Legacy Society and Innovation Circle, George and Jennie Scarfo have made an indelible contribution to Phoenix Children's and generations of patients.

amount of money available,” he says. “Not all programs can be funded, so it’s important to present well.”

ENDURING GENEROSITY The Scarfos, who celebrated their 60th wedding

members of Phoenix Children’s Legacy Society,

anniversary in December 2023, say that

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis,

a group of people who have made a gift to

not having their own children has in some

Tennessee. But as they saw the dramatic growth

Phoenix Children’s in their will or trust, the

ways made it easier to incorporate Phoenix

of Phoenix Children’s, the Scarfos saw an

Scarfos hope they will make a lasting impact

Children’s into their estate planning. “Since we

opportunity to make an impact close to home.

on generations to come.

didn’t have children of our own,” George says,

M O M E N T S S P RI N G 20 24

Tr a n s f o r m L i v e s : Create a Legacy of Hope If you’re considering leaving a legacy that will bring a future of hope for the children of tomorrow, visit GiveToPCH.org/Legacy or contact Nicola Lawrence, associate vice president of philanthropic advising, at 602-933-0984 or giftplanning@phoenixchildrens.com.

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H E A L I N G S PAC E S

COMMON C AUSE GENTLE LIGHTING A new lighting system allows clinicians and parents to dim or turn up the lights without disrupting patients.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Wired devices and other equipment are contained in cabinets to keep “scary” wires out of view.

Events That Make Moments Possible

A SENSE OF HOME Headboards, footboards and furniture make each patient room feel more like a child’s bedroom than a hospital room.

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

Phoenix Children’s Golf Tournament Nearly 300 golfers gathered at Troon North Golf Club for the 23rd annual tournament, which raised almost $1.2 million.

GiveToPCH.org/Golf-Tournament

Ignite Hope The 12th annual candlelight walk raised a recordbreaking $548,000 as over 2,600 people spread holiday cheer to patients and their families.

PCHIgniteHope.org

WHOLE-FAMILY CARE Comfortable sleeper couches, which were tested by parents, help caregivers get a good night’s sleep too.

CALMING COLORS Soft colors throughout the lab aid in relaxation.

Concours in the Hills The “greatest car show on grass” featured over 1,000 vehicles and raised more than $325,000 for Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

GiveToPCH.org/Concours

Offering a Space to Rest Get a behind-the-scenes look inside the new neurodiagnostic sleep laboratory at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus.

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M O M E N T S S P RI N G 20 24

UPCOMING EVENTS

U

nveiled in April 2023, the newly expanded neurodiagnostic laboratory

at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus improves comfort and care for children undergoing sleep studies, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) testing, and nerve conduction studies. Here, we offer

GIVE-A-THON WEEK August 2024 Tune in to KTAR News 92.3 FM and Arizona Sports 98.7 FM for the annual Give-A-Thon, the country’s largest radiothon for a children’s hospital.

GiveAThonForPCH.org

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S AT ONE YOGA FESTIVAL September 14, 2024 Enjoy a day of yoga, fitness and fun in support of Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

GiveToPCH.org/Yoga

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S 5K & KIDS DASH October 5, 2024 Join over 3,000 fitness enthusiasts and families for a fun-filled day of walking and running at Salt River Fields.

PhoenixChildrens5K.org

an insider’s look at a patient room.

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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID

PHOENIX AZ PERMIT NO. 961

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

A Tax-Savvy Way to Give D

Phoenix Children’s neurologist Saunder Bernes, MD, with Christopher.

id you know you can support Phoenix Children’s through methods that offer tax

The Face of Hope. advantages over cash donations? This allows

you to magnify your philanthropic impact while

minimizing expenses. Here are several strategies to alleviate your tax liability while helping sick and injured children get lifesaving care.

• Make a bequest in your will or trust.

• Give directly from your IRA through a qualified charitable distribution.

• Recommend a grant from

your donor-advised fund.

• Donate stocks or other securities.

Patients at Phoenix Children’s are more than diagnosis.

• Createtheir a charitable gift annuity.They’re the face of resilience and strength. They’re the face • Donate a vehicle. you know, your neighbor, of someone your child’s classmate.

To learn how you can maximize strategies Now is your chance to these be the face of to bring hope and healing hope for children in need. to Arizona children, visit

GiveToPCH.org/Legacy or Join the cause and GiveToPCH.org. contact Nicola Lawrence, associate vice president of philanthropic advising, at 602-933-3870 or giftplanning@phoenixchildrens.com.

Namiko, patient

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

CONNECT WITH US: Phoenix Children’s Foundation

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