16
Neighbors
September 2015
Dignity Health’s pet therapy program is largest in East Valley
Laura Ibsen’s dogs, Patches and Scooter, are two of 45 star canine volunteers in the East Valley’s largest hospital based pet therapy program, Dignity Health’s Paws for Patients. Ibsen and Patches, a Yorkie who is now 12, were one of the two original volunteer teams when the pet therapy program started at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center. Then in 2006, Ibsen was asked to lead the program’s expansion to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Over the years, the program has quadrupled in size, welcoming new team members like Ibsen’s 1-year-old Havanese named Scooter. She knows firsthand the hardships associated with a hospital stay and quickly learned the critical benefits of a dog’s unconditional love. “I was diagnosed with lupus and scleroderma as a child and have been hospitalized more than 80 times in my life,” said Ibsen, 39. “When I was sick, my dog always made me feel better. I was a kid then, and didn’t quite understand what was happening. I just knew I felt
better when my dog was around.” Then in college, watching her friend struggle with cancer provided definitive proof that dogs made a difference in patient care. Every time she brought her dog to visit, Ibsen saw a newfound peace in her friend’s demeanor. Even as her friend grew more ill, it became more apparent to Ibsen that the dog was doing something extraordinary for her friend. “At one point, she was in bed and didn’t respond to anything. But, I laid my dog next to her and she smiled, and started petting the dog,” Ibsen recalled. “One to two days later, she passed away. Her interaction with my dog was the last bit of reaction or response that anybody saw out of her.” Dignity Health’s Paws for Patient program not only spreads human kindness, but it also makes a significant difference for patients. Light play and calm repose lift the spirits of patients, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and anxiety. Inclusion of animals in a patient’s care aids greater comfort, progress and recovery.
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Diagnosed with lupus and scleroderma, Laura Ibsen understands the importance of having pets for therapy. Submitted photo
McAlister’s Deli expanding to Gilbert in 2016 The fast-casual chain McAlister’s Deli is opening five restaurants in the Valley, including Gilbert. The exact location has yet to be revealed. Currently, McAlister’s has two restaurants—on North Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix and on West Bell Road in Peoria. Franchisees Jyoti Madhura, Preet Saini and Sanjiv Bhagat have extensive multiunit franchising experience as owners of
McAlister’s Deli will be opening five Valley locations. Submitted photo
multiple restaurant concepts and service brands in Las Vegas, California and Phoenix. “As McAlister’s looks to expand throughout the West Coast, Arizona plays an important role in our growth strategy,” said Jeff Sturgis, McAlister’s vice president of franchise development. “With only two locations in the entire state, we have significant opportunity to grow our footprint, particularly in Phoenix. Jyoti, Preet and Sanjiv have a strong background operating restaurants across the Western U.S. and we’re thrilled they have joined McAlister’s.” Saini said Arizona’s restaurant industry is thriving as residents, especially Millennials, are dining out more and eager to try new concepts. “Coupled with the fact that these days more people are choosing healthier food options, it was a strategic choice to find a brand that offered healthier menu items for residents,” Saini said. “Additionally, fast casual is the fastest-growing segment of the restaurant industry, so we’re confident McAlister’s will do incredibly well in Phoenix and are excited to grow the brand’s presence here.”
McAlister’s Deli is known for its sandwiches, soups, salads, spuds and desserts. Submitted photo
Founded in 1989, McAlister’s Deli is known for its sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea. In addition to dine-in and takeout service, McAlister’s also offers catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more.
With numerous industry accolades, the McAlister’s brand has 337 restaurants in 24 states. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.mcalistersdeli.com.