FRIENDS Magazine Summer 2011 - Banner Health

A P u b l i c A t i o n f o r t h e b e n e f A c t o r s o f b A n n e r h e A l t h 

From Football 

to Fundraising: 

Leading the charge 

in Arizona 

Banner Health Foundation Summer 2011

top left: Golfers get ready to hit the links at the banner 

health Pro-Am, page 12. bottom left to right: larry 

fitzgerald and steve eiss, senior construction Project 

Manager at banner MD Anderson cancer center, page 

16; Mr. and Mrs. Wilford A. cardon attend the 

inaugural stars of the season gala page 14; excellent 

patient care at cardon children’s Medical center; 

Partygoers enjoy the after-hours casino at the 2010 

candlelight capers ball benefiting the heart failure 

Program at banner Good samaritan.

A PublicAtion for the benefActors of bAnner heAlth 

FRIENDS 

Chairman’s Letter 3 

Foundation News 4 

Board Spotlights 8 

Heidi and Jeff Berkley 

Jeff Stone 

Events 11 

When Football Meets Fundraising 16 

Larry Fitzgerald named honorary chair 

of $40M campaign 

Cancer Has Met Its Match Campaign 20 

Community support for Banner MD Anderson 

Rock Stars of Science 24 

Native American Outreach at BAI 26 

Answering the Call 28 

Banner Good Samaritan Poison & Drug 

Information Center 

Banner Psychiatric Center: 

Meeting the Need 29 

Meds Connection 30 

Offering help to Parkinson’s patients 

NICU at Banner Thunderbird 32 

Ways to Give 33 

Banner Benefactor Listings 

& Spotlights 34 

on the cover – Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, Larry 

Fitzgerald, shares the story of his mother’s battle with breast cancer 

and his role as Honorary Chair of the Cancer Has Met Its Match 

Campaign supporting Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 1

neW beGinninGs – the “lantern of hope” at 

banner MD Anderson cancer center will shine 

all night, every night as a signal of hope and 

healing for cancer patients throughout the 

southwest. the center is scheduled to open 

september 26, 2011. 

Banner Health 

Foundation Mission 

banner health foundation 

secures and stewards 

charitable contributions to 

advance banner health’s 

mission to make a difference 

in people’s lives through 

excellent patient care.

dear friends 

‘‘ 

As the new Chairman of the 

Banner Health Foundation Board of 

Directors, it is my distinct honor to 

welcome you to this issue of Friends 

magazine. 

” 

I AM PLEASED and proud to lead this group 

of passionate and committed community 

volunteers into the next phase of success in 

garnering support for Banner Health. This is an 

exciting and critical time for philanthropy in the 

world of healthcare. I firmly believe that we are 

equal to the task and I invite you to join me as 

we work together to accomplish our goals. 

As a part of Banner Health’s 2020 Vision, 

Banner has entered the “Innovation” stage of our 

strategic plan. During this time, the organization 

will focus on those activities and changes that 

are necessary to deliver care that is patient 

centered, achieves the highest standard of 

clinical quality and moves Banner Health 

towards its ultimate goal of industry leadership. 

Where do we, as the philanthropic arm of 

Banner Health, fit into this picture We will be 

asking for the continued support of our 

community to fund projects that improve 

current practices or aid in the discovery of new 

ideas and ways to care for our patients that they 

will not find anywhere else. And, often, it’s the 

“little things” that can make a big difference to 

our patients. 

A great example of this is illustrated 

through the Peanut Ball Study completed in 

March 2011 at Banner Good Samaritan Medical 

Center. This internal study found that by using a 

peanut-shaped inflatable exercise ball during 

labor, patients’ time of labor was reduced by two 

hours and the need for cesarean sections 

decreased to less than eleven percent (beating 

the national rate of thirty-two percent). 

This process created a new standard of care 

across Banner and demonstrates that innovation 

can come in all shapes and sizes. I hope you will 

Sharon Harper 

take this opportunity to read and share some 

of the stories in this issue that highlight the 

innovations we are discovering and 

implementing in oncology, Alzheimer’s 

disease and so much more. 

We would not be able to achieve these 

advancements without the dedication of you 

– our most loyal supporters. Your generosity 

makes possible the efforts of our employees, 

clinicians and physicians in taking patient 

care to industry-leading heights. 

Thank you for your commitment to 

excellent healthcare in our community. I 

look forward to working together to find new 

and innovative ways to support the 

important work being done at Banner 

Health. 

Sincerely, 

Sharon Harper 

Chairman of the Board 

Banner Health Foundation 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 3

foundation 

news 

Leading By Example 

Outstanding Community 

Support for Cardon Children’s 

top to bottom: the Kiwanis Club at friendship 

Village; Chess event with dr. norm Saba; the 

Shores family; the Hamilton family. 

Since opening its doors in November 2009, the level of support for Cardon 

Children’s Medical Center has been overwhelming! The generosity of many local 

businesses, private foundations and families has made possible several programs and 

services provided to our smallest patients. 

Through various toy drives, golf tournaments, book donations and even a chess 

tournament, pediatric patients are able to enjoy fun activities and positive moments 

while receiving care at Cardon Children’s. Here are just a few examples of how 

community support is making a difference. 

The McKenzie Monks Foundation created Kenzie’s Korner - a wonderful 

playroom where patients can relax and engage in exciting activities. They continue to 

honor McKenzie by delivering Kenzie’s Kases to our oncology patients. These suitcases 

are filled with all the comforts of home including a 8.5 inch video player, movies, video 

games, toys, arts & crafts and always a cuddle blanket to snuggle with. 

The Governors, a group of community leaders committed to supporting local 

4 | b a n n e r H e a l t H . o r g

Harry and mary axford, along with Snoopy and lucy, visit Cardon Children’s 

with dr. michael graham, pediatric oncologist at the hospital. 

Out of Sight, 

Not Gone 

Team Casey Brings Help and Smiles 

health care, have donated more than $425,000 since 2006 

to programs including oncology, neurosciences, and 

child development through their annual gala, the 

Governor’s Ball. 

More than fifty Walgreens stores in Arizona began 

collecting toys in 2010 and have continued to deliver 

toys to our toy closets resulting in the largest toy drive 

Banner has ever seen! 

The Kiwanis Club of Friendship Village’s support 

of the Infant/Toddler toy closet is critical in comforting 

our smallest pediatric patients. 

The Smith family, Hamilton family and Shores 

family have all helped to stock our toy closets and 

supply us with books so that we can be sure to have 

many choices for kids. 

The Branden Lombardi Foundation and Children’s 

Cancer Network continue to bring joy and comfort to 

our cancer patients with donations of gift cards, 

backpacks, fun electronics, and much more. 

As Cardon Children’s continues to grow, ongoing 

community support will be critical. A great big thank 

you for your help now and in the future! 

Through the support of the national MetLife TeamCasey 

Challenge and a grant from the MetLife Foundation, TeamCasey 

has raised over $22,000 for the Pediatric Outpatient Oncology 

and Hematology clinic at Cardon Children’s Medical Center. A 

portion of the proceeds will be used to 

furnish a newly created teen lounge with a 

flat screen TV, games, furniture, and other 

accessories which will provide patients with 

a special area of comfort and entertainment. 

TeamCasey honors Casey Axford, who 

died at the age of 21 after battling Acute 

Lymphocytic Leukemia for nearly seven 

years. Based on his personal experience, 

Casey was passionate about providing health 

care facilities with amenities that help lift the 

mood, spirit and hope for children and teens 

diagnosed with cancer. 

In early 2011, MetLife mascots, Lucy and 

Snoopy, visited patients at Cardon Children’s 

as the MetLife blimp flew overhead. The joy 

exhibited by the children during this visit is 

just what Casey wanted to accomplish. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 5

foundation 

news 

Surgicenter staff 

with the late 

dr. John ford and 

dr. Wallace reed. 

40 Years of Innovative 

Patient Care 

In 1969, two Phoenix anesthesiologists looked 

at how surgery was performed and wondered if 

it could be more efficient. Their solution – to 

perform simple surgeries where patients could 

be sent home to recover with less cost to them – 

created an entirely new health care industry, 

ambulatory surgery centers. 

Lifetime Banner Benefactor and Honorary 

Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation Honorary Board 

member, Dr. Wallace Reed and his business 

partner, the late Dr. John Ford, opened the 

Surgicenter in downtown Phoenix on February 

12, 1970. This great achievement came after 

months of writing the rules for their 

center and lobbying for acceptance 

from the Arizona Legislature, physicians 

and surgeons, medical boards and 

insurance companies. 

The vision of these two physicians 

has made a lasting impact on our 

community and, in 2010, Banner Health 

celebrated the Surgicenter’s 40th 

anniversary. “The Surgicenter model 

created by Dr. Reed and Dr. Ford did not 

just change health care, it created an entire 

industry never before done,” said David Milton, 

Surgicenter administrator. “When this facility 

was created, Medicare, insurance companies 

and the healthcare licensing people had 

nothing to go on. It was never done before. But 

they were able to show in just two years that 

the Surgicenter model was able to improve 

patient care and reduce the cost of receiving 

that care. Talk about health care reform!” 

Today, the Surgicenter is part of Banner 

Surgery Centers, performing more than 700 

procedures each month. Nationally, the idea 

has expanded to more than 5,000 ambulatory 

surgery centers that perform more than 22 

million procedures each year. 

1970-2010 

Banner Health Congratulates 

Surgicenter 

40Years 

of Creating New Ways of Delivering Excellent Patient Care 


left to right, top row: bert and Jill alanko; Vicki boostrom, milt andrews, donn boostrom and Craig Coppola; andy Kramer and barbara dean. Second row: 

dr. tom and tommye taylor; mary and Harry axford; elodee and arnold Portigal; nicole and Wil Cardon. third row: betty and Herb bool; robin and richard 

milne; marty and linda Shultz; dr. Harry and CJ Cavanagh. 

Saying 

“Thank You” 

On April 27, 2011, the annual Banner Benefactors 

Reception was held at the historical Hermosa Inn. The 

evening, designed to recognize and thank our most loyal 

and generous supporters, allowed guests to mix and 

mingle while enjoying the beautiful resort setting. 

Over 100 Benefactors and their guests had the 

opportunity to learn how their generosity has impacted 

Banner Health over the past year. Craig Coppola, Banner 

Benefactor Chair and Banner Health Foundation President 

& CEO, Andy Kramer, thanked the group for their 

ongoing support. 

Guest speaker and Lifetime Benefactor, Barbara Dean, 

shared her personal experience with the physicians and 

to our donors 

staff at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute during the time her 

husband was being treated there. She expressed her 

gratitude for the care they both received and reinforced 

the importance of philanthropy in the world of health 

care. It was a lovely tribute to the memory of her husband 

and an illustration of how our Benefactors “make it 

possible” to provide excellent medical care in our 

community. 

The evening was a great success and we look forward 

to the next Banner Benefactors Reception in 2012. 

For more information on becoming a Banner 

Benefactor, please call (602) 747-7233 or email 

kimberly.carkhuff@bannerhealth.com. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 7

spotlight 

Heidi and Jeff berkley 

banner alzHeimer’S foundation 

board memberS 

WE OFTEN hear people stress the importance of “location, location, location.” And 

while this may be true for some, for Banner Alzheimer’s Board members Heidi and 

Jeff Berkley, location has never been an obstacle for pursuing their passions and 

making a difference in their community. We recently chatted with the Beverly Hills 

couple about their past experience with Alzheimer’s and their ongoing 

commitment to ridding the world of this terrible disease. 

How did you come to be involved with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and the Banner 

Alzheimer’s Foundation 

Heidi: i had the opportunity to meet Suzanne Hilton when we moved to Scottsdale. She 

and her husband, Steve, were involved with the foundation and we shared a common 

interest in the disease as both of our mother’s had been afflicted with it. Suzanne 

asked me to be a part of the banner alzheimer’s foundation Women’s Council and 

i gladly accepted. 

Jeff: i think we both recognized the need for this kind of community support in battling 

alzheimer’s. We felt a deep connection to the mission of the institute and, after Heidi’s 

initial involvement, we were both asked to become banner alzheimer’s foundation 

board members. 

Heidi: We knew first-hand how devastating this disease can be for patients and their 

families. We actually moved my mom out here for the last few years of her life as she 

battled alzheimer’s. to say that losing her to alzheimer’s was difficult would be an 

understatement but it also gave us the inspiration and motivation to support the efforts 

of banner alzheimer’s institute. 

As Board members, what do you think is the role of Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation 

Jeff: i think it is incumbent upon each board member to strive to make banner 

alzheimer’s institute a strong and respected brand. We need to be recognized locally, 

nationally and internationally as the leader in research and treatment protocols. the 

board can truly be instrumental in opening up the scope of who knows about us, how 

many people we can reach and making a case for support. 

Heidi: i take my role as a board member to heart and put much of my personal time and 

effort into our fundraising success. i have been a past co-chair of the institute’s signature 

fundraising event – a night to remember. i have written letters to friends asking for their 

support for this event as well as for the institute directly. and, honestly, i will talk to 

anyone anywhere about all of the amazing things banner alzheimer’s institute is doing. 

inevitably, as i have these conversations, the person i’m talking to will have had a 

personal experience with alzheimer’s or know someone that has. it affects us all. 

Why do you think it is important for people to learn about Alzheimer’s disease 

Heidi: When someone is diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease, it does not just affect the 


spotlight 

patient; it affects caregivers and entire families. it is an awful thing to 

watch. i often wished my mother could have passed away before the 

disease progressed – it was that bad. and, even though it came late 

in life for my mom, it will impact our family forever. i recently had the 

opportunity to meet a woman close to my own age who is suffering 

with alzheimer’s. it was terrifying to observe this seemingly “normal” 

woman who, in reality, was just a shell of 

her former self. She had to be fed, she had to be helped to sit and 

stand, and she had no idea what was happening to her. 

Jeff: alzheimer’s patients are 80 years old, they are 40 years old. 

People are living longer and so, more people will be affected. We 

have to be active in gathering knowledge and working to stamp 

out this disease. 

Jeff Stone 

banner HealtH 

foundation 

board member 

Why is philanthropic support for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute 

so crucial 

Jeff: the staff at banner alzheimer’s institute is unmatched when it 

comes to innovation and dedication. the research they are doing is 

as good, if not the best, as any in the world. the work that is being 

done in Columbia with the alzheimer’s Prevention initiative is so 

encouraging. What they have been able to learn and begin to 

develop into possible treatments is incredible. everyone is so 

committed to the treatment and prevention of alzheimer’s – i am 

confident they will find a cure. Charitable gifts to the foundation 

enable this work to continue. 

You have recently become “empty-nesters” and moved back 

to California. How has that transition been 

Heidi: obviously we miss our arizona friends but we are so happy to 

be back in California. there’s such great energy here, we can walk 

everywhere and enjoy new friends and new adventures. i have also 

started a new company – Showoffs travel bags – which is keeping 

me busy. 

Jeff: and…they have golf courses here too! it was just the right time 

to make a change. all three boys are in college and beginning to build 

their own lives. We are taking advantage of that by starting the 

company, traveling internationally and continuing our commitment as 

banner alzheimer’s foundation board members. 

Will this move affect your relationship with Banner Alzheimer’s 

Institute and the Foundation 

Heidi: absolutely not! Continuing our work with banner alzheimer’s 

foundation is so important to both of us. nothing can change that. 

Jeff: Honestly, our involvement on the banner alzheimer’s foundation 

board needs to be bigger than just arizona. We will continue to stay 

involved in bringing support and awareness to the efforts of the 

institute. our commitment to doing that is unwavering so our location 

doesn’t really matter. 

JEFF STONE is a builder. He and wife Krista have been 

Valley residents for over 25 years and, during that time, 

have built a family, a business and a deep commitment 

to our community. As the Chairman of Summit Builders, 

Jeff has worked to build what is now the 12th largest 

private company in Arizona. Summit Builders is a 

commercial general contractor and construction 

management company headquartered in Arizona, with 

satellite offices in Los Angeles, Albuquerque and Houston. 

Although work and family play a big role in his life, 

Jeff has also found the time to build an impressive 

volunteer leadership resume. In 2002, he joined the 

Banner Health Foundation board of directors and we 

talked with him about his continued passion for building 

support for Banner Health and his community as a whole. 

Share with our readers how you became involved with 

Banner Health. 

i was approached to join the banner Health foundation 

board of directors in 2002. i had always been familiar with 

banner Health and sought out a former board member, bob 

mariano, to learn more about the organization. through his 

encouragement and my own commitment to supporting 

children in our community, joining the board seemed a 

natural fit. i was excited to be a part of health care in this 

community and to have the opportunity to support banner 

Health’s mission philanthropically through our charity 

division, Summit builders Charities. continued on page 10 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 9

spotlight 

Jeff Stone continued from page 9 

Blake’s Miracle Foundation 

donates to combat children’s pain 

As a long-time Board member, what do you feel sets 

Banner apart as a viable and valuable giving option 

banner Health is an exciting organization for many 

reasons. as a major nonprofit health care provider in our 

community, we all benefit from the numerous facilities, 

specialized programs and outreach efforts that cover 

almost every facet of health care you can imagine. the 

positive impact that this level of health care has is 

immeasurable. i think that anyone looking to support 

health and wellness in our community can feel confident 

in choosing banner Health to make their charitable gift. 

With such a wide variety of services and facilities at 

Banner, what speaks to you personally 

i feel the efforts around pediatric care at banner are 

addressing an extremely underserved population in 

arizona. the opening of Cardon Children’s medical 

Center along with programs like School-based Health 

Centers and the expansion of banner thunderbird’s 

pediatric services are crucial for all of our children. i am 

also excited for the opening of banner md anderson 

Cancer Center this fall. in partnering with such a 

prestigious organization, banner as a whole will be 

elevated to an entirely new level. i have had many 

friends travel to Houston (home of md anderson Cancer 

Center) for cancer treatment over the years and it is 

such a joy and relief to know that we’re now going to 

have this amazing facility in our own backyard. 

Blake’s Miracle Foundation recently presented a check for 

$20,000 to Cardon Children’s Pain Management and Integrative 

Therapies programs. 

Named after Blake Gordon Whitehead, Blake's Miracle 

Foundation helps terminally ill children with alternative pain 

management therapies and drowning prevention. The Pain 

Management and Integrative Therapies programs had a positive 

effect on Blake while being treated at Banner Desert Medical Center, 

prior to Cardon Children’s opening their doors in 2009. 

Blake’s Miracle and SWIMkids USA have supported Cardon 

Children’s Medical Center for the past 6 years with proceeds from their 

annual Swimkid-a-thon event. Cardon Children’s is proud to partner 

with Blake’s Miracle Foundation in bringing many smiles to children’s 

faces as they interact with Pain Champions and Music Therapists. 

What does the future hold for Banner Health 

Foundation 

the efforts that have been made over the past few 

years have really positioned the foundation to achieve 

even greater success. the foundation board is more 

engaged than ever and working diligently to make banner 

Health’s vision a reality. all three boards (banner Health, 

banner Health foundation and banner alzheimer’s 

foundation) have come together to strategize and move 

the organization forward. and, as banner’s reach grows, 

we are connecting with more and more people in our 

community in hopes of educating them about the 

importance of quality health care and how their financial 

support of banner Health can make that happen. 

members of blake’s miracle foundation present checks to the staff at Cardon 

Children’s in support of pain management. 


events 

Candlelight 

Capers holds 

the winning cards 

A Night in Monte Carlo raises $240,000 

Last December, patrons of Banner Health Foundation and 

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center donned their black-tie best 

for a glamorous Monte Carlo-inspired evening at the Arizona 

Biltmore Resort & Spa. The 56th annual Candlelight Capers gala, 

presented by Biltmore Cardiology, attracted over 700 people in 

support of the Heart Failure Program, a division of the Cavanagh 

Heart Center, at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. 

The Heart Failure Program provides patients experiencing heart failure the latest 

treatment technologies, rehabilitation therapies and disease management protocols. This 

highly specialized care helps patients recover faster, avoid repeat hospital visits and 

ultimately improves their quality of life. Our heart care experts engage and involve 

patients every step of the way ensuring they receive the education, resources and followup 

monitoring needed to manage their condition, thus making the Cavanagh Heart Center 

at Banner Good Samaritan a leader in keeping Valley hearts healthy. 

In keeping with the spirit of a night in Monte Carlo, guests were treated to an elegant 

meal before kicking up their heels to the intoxicating melodies of the Groove Merchants. 

An expansive selection of silent auction items were available to bid on and the live auction 

included incredible experiences such as a private yacht cruise and concert tickets and 

private meet and greet with country superstar, Dierks Bentley. Proceeds from the night 

reflected a total of $240,000 raised to aid in the fight against heart disease. 

As a fun surprise, attendees were invited into a late-night charity casino where they 

could roll the dice and cut the cards for a chance to win fun prizes. The night proved to be 

both memorable and successful due, in large part, to the efforts of honorary chairs Lisa & 

Alfredo Molina, Holly & Ken Van Winkle and Kari & Kurt Zangerle. 

The 57th Annual Candlelight Capers Winter Solstice, co-chaired by Suzanne Coyne 

and Judy Nelson, will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort 

& Spa. Proceeds will benefit the Banner Good Samaritan Poison & Drug Information 

Center. If you would like to purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship or chair the 

event, please call (602) 747-4608 or email natalie.hood@bannerhealth.com. 

Honorary Chairs of the evening: 

dr. Kurt and Kari zangerle; Holly and 

Ken Van Winkle; lisa, maddie and al 

molina. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 11

events 

Banner Health Charity Pro-Am 

Golfers give back to Valley children 

Last September, over 70 golfers gathered at the picturesque 

Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club for the Banner 

Health Charity Pro-Am. For more than a decade, this event has 

provided funding for Banner Health School-Based Health Centers. 

Medically underserved students rely on Banner School-Based 

Health Centers for access to regular medical care. Through this 

vital community program, Banner clinical staff oversees visits to 

thousands of children annually. These visits, occurring during the 

school day in order to avoid absences, often provide the early 

detection and treatment of minor health problems before they 

graduate into more severe and costly issues. 

With three locations across the Valley, Banner School-Based 

Health Centers do not charge patients for their care. Instead, they 

rely solely on philanthropic support from individuals, 

corporations and foundations in our community that understand 

the importance of keeping children healthy, engaged in 

their education and out of crowded emergency rooms. 

Spearheaded by former Banner Baywood Medical 

Center CEO Don Evans, the 2010 tournament raised over 

$80,000 in support of Banner School-Based Health Centers. 

With many loyal and generous participants including 

presenting sponsor, Arizona Medical Network, the event 

offered a fun way to make a big impact for the children in 

our community. 

Former Banner Health Foundation Board Chairman, 

Ken Van Winkle, will chair the 2011 Banner Health Pro-Am 

to be held on Friday, October 21 at Grayhawk Golf Club in 

Scottsdale. To learn more or to inquire about sponsorship 

opportunities, please call (602) 747-4608 or e-mail 

natalie.hood@bannerhealth.com. 


top to bottom: Golfers pause for 

a photo before teeing off in 

support of Valley kids; former 

banner health foundation board 

chairman Ken Van Winkle with 

ed sandidge, founder of Arizona 

Medical network; school-based 

health center employees Megan 

christopherson, ruth Archunde 

and Virginia backman volunteer 

during the day to make the 

tournament a success. 

brought together by the memory of dr. laughlin and a 

passion for giving back, golfers spent an exciting day 

on the links in support of West Valley children. 

Arizona Medical 

Network 

Since 2000, arizona medical network 

has supported pediatric programs which 

benefit from the banner Health Charity Proam, 

including banner School-based Health Centers. over that time, arizona 

medical network has provided sponsorship totaling more than $228,000. 

ed Sandidge founded the nonprofit arizona medical network, one of the first 

arizona preferred provider organizations (PPo), nearly three decades ago as a 

means for providing consumers and employers with an affordable health care 

plan that offered access to a network of high-quality physicians. 

as a ardent advocate of quality health care, ed frequently recommends banner 

Health to his family, friends and colleagues. “banner has an excellent reputation for 

patient care and great health care makes all the difference in the world,” he said. 

2010 Banner 

Thunderbird Golf 

Classic 

Golfers gathered at the stunning Raven Golf 

Club at Verrado, in late November to pay 

tribute to Dr. Ted Laughlin and raise money 

for Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center. 

Dr. Laughlin was one of the hospital’s first 

chief medical officers and an avid golfer. More 

than $31,000 was raised to ensure that 

children in the Northwest Valley continue to 

receive the best possible medical attention. 

Funds generated from the tournament 

were applied directly to improving pediatric 

play areas and expanding other Child Life 

programs created especially for the comfort 

and care of Banner Thunderbird Children’s 

Center patients. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 13

events 

Stars 

of the 

Season 

Inaugural 

event 

supporting 

Cardon 

Children’s 

Medical Center 

top right: guest speaker Peggy 

iralson with husband mark; 

talinda bennington celebrates the 

evening with tina Curran. 

Presented by Progressive Medical Associates, the inaugural Stars of the Season gala was held 

at the posh W Scottsdale Hotel this past December. This signature event supporting Cardon 

Children’s Medical Center began with a rooftop pre-party featuring Art Alexakis, lead singer of 

alternative rock band Everclear. Guests enjoyed a private concert while perusing the elaborate 

silent auction and sipping STAR-tinis, the specialty cocktail of the evening. 

Following an elegant dinner and silent auction, Emmy award winning comedian Jack 

Gallagher from HBO’s hit comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm” made sure everyone left with a smile 

on their face. His side-splitting stand-up act topped off what proved to be an impressive debut 

for Banner Health Foundation’s Stars of the Season. 

The live auction, along with the silent auction, sold-out ticket sales, generous sponsorships 

and community donations generated over $170,000 for the Integrative Pain Management Program 

at Cardon Children’s Medical Center. 

Combined with traditional medicine, the Integrative Pain Management Program ensures a 

comprehensive healing environment for children of all ages. These essential services, which are 

provided by trained practitioners, are not typically reimbursed by health insurance providers, 

which is precisely why Banner Health Foundation supported this worthy cause through its soldout 

inaugural Stars of the Season soirée. “The comprehensive Integrative Pain Management 

Program will undoubtedly use the raised funds from the event to create happiness and comfort 

within our patients,” said Dr. David Curran, chair of the event along with his wife Tina. 

Banner Health Foundation also honored two families who stand out as champions for 

Cardon Children’s during this festive evening. Chester Bennington, lead singer of the rock band 

Linkin Park, and wife Talinda along with the Iralson family were recognized for their advocacy 

and personal connection to the hospital. Both families were recognized as our “STARS” and serve 

as an example of what Cardon Children’s Medical Center strives to achieve on a daily basis. 

Chaired by Tina Curran and Monica Monson, the 2011 Stars of the Season will feature Linkin 

Park lead singer, Chester Bennington and be held at the Montelucia Resort & Spa on 

Saturday, November 12. For details or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities 

event Chairs, 

dr. david and for next year’s event, please call (602) 747-4608 or email 

tina Curran. natalie.hood@bannerhealth.com. 


A Night To 

Remember 

Support for Banner Alzheimer’s 

Institute knows no boundaries 

A memorable evening was had by all during the Banner 

Alzheimer’s Institute’s annual fundraising event, A Night to 

Remember. In its fourth year, this signature affair was cochaired 

by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Women’s Council 

members Peggy Federico (also BAF Board Member) and Amy 

Goff. Year after year, the dedicated business women and 

community leaders of the BAI Women’s Council serve as a 

voice to increase Alzheimer’s awareness and support for patients, families and caregivers. 

The evening offered guests the opportunity to mix and mingle while enjoying cocktails 

and a tasting menu featuring brain healthy recipes developed by the culinary experts at P.F. 

Chang’s. Held at the Scottsdale Waterfront, the night included silent and live auctions, the 

acoustic sounds of Easton Ashe, and a touching awards ceremony. 

Each year, the “Powerful Mind Award” is bestowed on an individual who demonstrates 

tremendous devotion and vision for Alzheimer’s disease awareness and prevention. The 

2010 award recipient, Steve Hilton, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Meritage Homes and a 

member of the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation board of directors, was recognized for his 

work in advancing BAI’s mission to end Alzheimer’s disease without losing a generation. 

Previous Powerful Mind Award recipient and Phoenix Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry, was on 

hand to present the award. In addition, Lorrie Fickas, event coordinator at P.F. Chang’s and 

honorary BAI Women’s Council member, was given the “Ann Bey Award for Volunteer 

Service” in honor of her exceptional dedication to helping prevent Alzheimer’s disease. 

Tremendous support was shown from as far away as New York to our loyal friends right 

here in Phoenix, making the evening a success! Over $225,000 was generated in support of 

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and the wide array of ground-breaking patient programs and 

services offered there. 

BAI Women’s Council members Josie Fratantoni and Lisa Wadey have been named cochairs 

of the 2011 A Night to Remember which will take place on Saturday, October 22, at 

the W Hotel. To learn more or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please call 

(602) 747-4608 or e-mail natalie.hood@bannerhealth.com. 

top to bottom: event emcee and Suns 

Head coach alvin gentry with awardwinner, 

Steve Hilton; Peggy federico 

and amy goff, event chairs; award 

recipient, lorrie fickas, alongside 

banner alzheimer’s foundation board 

member, Suzi Hilton; live auction 

bidders get serious about supporting 

the institute. left: guests enjoy the 

exciting live auction. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 15

For Larry, his mother’s courageous battle with breast 

cancer and a determination to honor her memory 

propels his involvement in charitable causes. 

When Football 

Meets Fundraising 

Arizona Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald an 

advocate for cancer center campaign 

minnesota-born larry 

fitzgerald is doing double 

duty as Honorary Chair of 

the banner md anderson 

fundraising campaign and 

wide receiver for the arizona 

Cardinals. Pictured here 

during game-time and below 

during his military school 

days alongside his parents, 

larry Sr. and Carol 

fitzgerald. 

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry 

Fitzgerald is admired by football fans worldwide 

for his talent and tenacious spirit. And while his 

work on the field is definitely worthy of accolades, 

it’s his charitable endeavors off the field that are 

truly making a difference and changing lives. As 

honorary chairman of the Cancer Has Met Its Match 

Campaign to support the new Banner MD Anderson 

Cancer Center, opening Sept. 26, 2011 on the Banner 

Gateway campus, Larry is reminding everyone of 

their role in Arizona’s fight against cancer. 

Having lost his mother, Carol, to breast cancer 

in 2003, Larry chose to honor her legacy and 

continue her commitment to charitable causes by 

working to raise money and increase awareness 

for enhanced cancer care, prevention and 

education programs. 

Through those activities he has come face to 

face with families touched by and coping with 

cancer. Families like that of a nine-year-old boy who 

was diagnosed with a sarcoma in his eye. His family 

traveled out of state and incurred tremendous 

expense to receive care at The University of Texas 


anner Senior Project 

manager, Steve eiss and 

larry fitzgerald review 

plans for the center. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 17

“Cancer has affected me the most out of 

anything I’ve ever had to deal with... I 

want to make sure no one goes through 

the same tragedy my family has.” 

Did You 

Know… 

...proceeds from every 

banner Health gift Shop are invested 

back into our medical centers that’s 

right! by purchasing flowers, apparel, 

candy or magazines in our gift shops, 

you are making a difference in people’s 

lives and helping our patients receive 

the best medical care possible. 

money raised through our gift 

shops has helped to fund new 

equipment, scholarships for medical 

staff and other vitally important 

services, including: 

• blood pressure machines 

• educational scholarships for 

employees and volunteers 

• Supplies for our Clown therapy 

program 

• Patient transport vehicles 

• and more! 

our dedicated volunteers staff each 

gift shop and are sure to have the 

perfect item for you or your loved one. 

Special promotions and hours of 

operation vary by facility. 

to learn more about the gift shop at 

your favorite facility, please visit 

www.bannerHealth.com, Keywords: 

gift Shops. 

MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. They were willing to bear the 

financial burden and leave behind their support network in exchange 

for hope that they were getting the best care. That strain and struggle 

faced by so many families is ultimately what spurred Larry to support 

the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and help families in Arizona 

find hope…right in their own backyard. 

Above and beyond just lending his recognizable name and image 

to the campaign, Larry has been an active participant. Introduced to 

Banner Health by Ken Van Winkle, immediate past chairman of the 

Banner Health Foundation Board of Directors, Larry was among the 

first to sign on as part of the campaign cabinet. Over the last year, he 

has attended various meetings and receptions, shared his experiences 

and motivations for supporting the effort, and taken part in televised 

interviews about the cancer center to help reach an even greater 


above: Construction is moving swiftly in anticipation of opening day. 

audience of potential supporters. Through it all, he has 

befriended and inspired others who share his passion for 

making Arizona a better place. 

“Cancer has affected me the most out of anything I’ve ever 

had to deal with,” said Larry. “In addition to losing my mom to 

the disease, two of my aunts had bouts with breast cancer. I 

want to make sure no one goes through the same tragedy my 

family has.” 

The impact of losing his mother to cancer is something 

Larry could never forget, but, just in case, he is reminded every 

time he looks in the mirror and sees his signature dreadlocks. 

A trademark fans adore, his hair is more than just a fashion 

statement. It is a tribute to his mother and a symbol of her 

struggle, strength and never-ending support. 

“My mom loved my hair long,” said Larry. “I had to 

cut it short when I went to military school. When she 

died, I decided to grow it out. I haven’t cut it since she 

passed away. It gives me strength.” 

For Larry, his mother’s courageous battle with 

breast cancer and a determination to honor her 

memory propels his involvement in charitable causes, 

drives him to lead a life he can be proud of, and 

motivates him to help make the world a better place. 

Larry Fitzgerald’s commitment to support the 

campaign for the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center 

is a testament to the fact that when the mission is 

meaningful and the intent is worthy, no one is too busy 

to make a difference. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 19

Sharon Harper, banner 

Health foundation board 

President, shares a moment 

with larry fitzgerald. 

Community leaders 

working to exceed 

expectations. 


Coming together is a beginning... 

Cancer Has Met Its 

Match Campaign 

at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center 

Henry Ford once said, “Coming 

together is a beginning; keeping together is 

progress; working together is success.” Nowhere 

is this more evident than the efforts 

surrounding the creation of Banner MD 

Anderson Cancer Center. Scheduled to open its 

doors on September 26, 2011, the combined 

efforts of MD Anderson Cancer Center, Banner 

Health and a group of determined community 

volunteers are making this center a reality and 

bringing a new level of cancer care to the Valley. 

Earlier this year, the Cancer Has Met Its 

Match Campaign was kicked off with a goal of 

securing $40 million in donations to support 

both capital and programmatic needs at the 

new center. As with every fundraising 

campaign, leadership is key in garnering 

marlys lazarus, linda Shultz and rita Hendin attend a 

Cancer Has Met Its Match Campaign meeting 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 21

...working together is success 

as part of the fundraising 

efforts for the banner md 

anderson Cancer Center a 

$1 million challenge – called 

the Copper Challenge – was 

established by richard 

adkerson and freeportmcmoran. 

this challenge 

was successfully completed 

on July 1. many thanks to 

those donors who 

participated! 

philanthropic support throughout the Valley and beyond. Many community 

leaders have accepted positions on the Campaign Cabinet and are eager to meet 

and exceed fundraising expectations. To date, $10 million has been secured in 

support of the campaign. 

Leading the charge in Banner’s fight against cancer is campaign chairman 

Richard Adkerson, president and CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, the 

world’s largest publicly traded copper company headquartered in Phoenix. 

Adkerson lost his mother to cancer. Personal loss and a long-standing 

relationship with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center give him 

profound insight into what the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center truly means 

for cancer care and treatment in Arizona. 

The cornerstone of the Cancer Has Met Its Match Campaign is the new Banner 

MD Anderson Cancer Center, a 133,000 square foot, three-story outpatient 

Cabinet members come together - 

Campaign general Chair, richard adkerson, 

is joined by marilyn and Steve rizley (left) 

and Kari and Paul Yatkowski (right). 


nancy White spends time with campaign Honorary Chair, 

larry fitzgerald. 

treatment center located on the campus of 

Banner Gateway Medical Center. Upon 

opening this September, the facility will 

immediately meet the growing need for 

customized, high-quality cancer care in 

Arizona. The Banner MD Anderson Cancer 

Center will employ an estimated 78 

physicians at opening and have a staff of 

275 assisted by 150 volunteers. In its first 

year, 36,000 patient visits are anticipated. 

Besides the new facility, the Cancer Has 

Met Its Match Campaign will also garner 

support for a diagnostic imaging center, a 

comprehensive leukemia program and 

relocation of Banner’s bone marrow 

transplant center. The project also includes 

establishing endowments for screening and 

prevention, patient and family support and 

research. Additionally, plans include 

programs to deliver outreach care to lowincome 

areas, genetic counseling, palliative 

care and a “Boutique of Hope” to help 

patients look and feel their best. 

The Banner MD Anderson Cancer 

Center will raise the bar for cancer care in 

Arizona through MD Anderson’s worldrenowned 

approach and philosophy. To 

learn more about the Cancer Has Met Its 

Match Campaign, please call (602) 747-4487 

or email christy.atler@bannerhealth.com. 

Cancer Has 

Met Its Match 

Campaign 

Leadership 

Honorary Chair 

larry fitzgerald 


Board Chairman 

sharon harper 

Campaign General Chair 

richard c. Adkerson 

Campaign Cabinet Co-Chairs 

Marilyn and steve rizley 

Kari and Paul Yatkowski 

CABINET MEMBERS 

denny barney 

tammy and michael bender 

leslie and david berry 

debbie and Jim Campbell 

nicole and Wil Cardon 

Jennifer and Chip Carmer 

tracy and Craig Coppola 

eric Crown 

denise and bob delgado 

Josie and Sam fratantoni 

bryan gibson 

Kathleen and John graham 

dr. oliver Harper 

drs. rita and barry Hendin 

marlys and larry lazarus 

blair and bubba moffett 

Kristy and tim moore 

dr. michael Pachtman 

Kris and bill Pepicello 

linda and marty Shultz 

bryan Sperber 

Krista and Jeff Stone 

Patricia ganser and John 

Strittmatter 

Holly and Ken Van Winkle 

Pam and John zidich 

Introducing 

Dr. Edgardo Rivera 

dr. edgardo rivera, newly appointed 

medical director of banner md 

anderson Cancer Center, is building 

a team of physicians that will 

provide customized cancer care at 

the center. dr. rivera is a breast 

oncologist who most recently was 

medical director of methodist 

Hospital’s breast Center in 

Houston. He began his oncology 

work in 1996, after receiving his 

postgraduate training at 

md anderson.


A 

“ 

Rock Star ” 

at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute 

Eric M. Reiman, M.D., Executive 

Director of the Banner Alzheimer’s 

Institute has been recognized as a 2010 

Rock Star of Science, joining a select 

group of scientific leaders and Rock Stars 

in a campaign to celebrate biomedical 

research. Dr. Reiman is internationally 

recognized for his contributions to brain imaging research, the 

unusually early detection and tracking of Alzheimer’s disease, 

and the effort to find demonstrably effective treatments to 

prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms as soon as possible. 

Dr. Reiman joined Alzheimer’s disease researchers Drs. 

Michael Weiner and Frank Longo and Rock Star Bret Michaels 

in a designer photo shoot for the December issue of GQ 

Magazine (see left), which pays tribute to “scientific heroes” 

in medical research. He and 16 of the nation’s top medical 

researchers, including two Nobel laureates, turned in their lab 

coats for the photo shoot as part of the Geoffrey Beene 

Foundation public service campaign to promote awareness 

about the value of biomedical research. 

Dubbed Rock Stars of Science (ROCK S.O.S), this 

special six-page, public service campaign to promote medical 

research appeared in GQ’s December “Men of the Year” edition. 

“The RSOS campaign shines the spotlight on this critical 

national issue,” says G. Thompson Hutton, CEO and Trustee of 

the Geoffrey Beene Foundation, supported by the designer 

menswear brand Geoffrey Beene, LLC, which dedicates 100 

percent of net profits to philanthropic causes. “If we invest in 

research, we will save lives now and trillions of dollars later.” 

“It is an unusual honor to work with these accomplished 

researchers and musicians, to help underscore the 

importance of medical research, and to help attract the very 

best students to science and medicine,” said Dr. Reiman. “I’m 

neither a Rock Star nor a solo act, but I am grateful to my 

family, colleagues, and research participants for chance to 

pursue my professional dreams.” 

Dr. Reiman also serves as CEO of Banner Research, 

Executive Director of Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Clinical 

Director of the Neurogenomics Division at TGEN, Professor of 

Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, and Director of the 

Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium. His research interests 

include brain imaging, genomics, the unusually early 

detection, tracking and study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and 

the rapid evaluation of AD-modifying and prevention 

therapies. He and his colleagues have argued that it takes too 

many healthy people and too many years to evaluate 

treatments to prevent AD, and they have proposed a new 

paradigm to evaluate promising prevention therapies more 

quickly than otherwise possible. 

Dr. Reiman and his colleagues have proposed scientific 

strategies and public policies to find demonstrably effective 

treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s disease as quickly as 

possible. Their Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative is designed to 

evaluate some of the most promising prevention therapies 

sooner than otherwise possible in people who, based on their 

age and genetic background, are at the highest imminent risk 

of developing Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. It is also 

designed to provide the evidence needed to rapidly evaluate 

the range of promising prevention therapies using brain 

imaging and other biological measurement of the disease, long 

before the onset of memory and thinking problems. 

Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of 

Health and one of the 2009 Rock Stars of Science, agrees it 

takes a powerful stand for research to make a difference. 

“Scientists must venture outside their comfort zones to show 

the public how cool – and how important – their work really is,” 

said Collins. “I’m thrilled to see all of these big-name musicians 

using their star power to shine a spotlight on science. However, 

it is only the beginning. I urge every scientist get into the act by 

telling friends, neighbors, community leaders, and elected 

officials about his or her research and what it means for our 

nation’s health. Imagine how powerful that would be.” 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 25

Extending 

OurReach 


The importance of Alzheimer’s 

education for Native Americans 

Did you know that the words ‘Alzheimer’s’ and 

‘dementia’ do not exist in many Native American 

languages Yet with a population of over 320,000 

Native Americans in Arizona, there is a strong need for 

outreach programs and education about Alzheimer’s 

disease, now the sixth-leading cause of death 

in the United States, surpassing diabetes. 

In 2004, Banner Sun Health Research Institute 

established outreach efforts surrounding Alzheimer’s 

education to the tribes located in the greater Phoenix 

area. The program expanded in 2007 to bring 

information about the diagnosis and treatment of 

Alzheimer’s and related dementias to 16 Arizona 

Native American tribes. During this expansion, Banner 

Alzheimer’s Institute assumed leadership of the 

program and the BAI Native American Outreach 

Program was born. 

Now part of the comprehensive Family and 

Community Services Program, Native American 

Outreach targets three distinct audiences – family 

caregivers, professional caregivers and medical 

providers. Its goals are simple: to improve the diagnosis 

and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related dementias 

in the Native American population and to assist 

caregivers with the daily challenges they face. 

Through scheduled outreach activities to tribes 

and an annual conference, 2,500 family and 

professional caregivers have received educational 

materials and valuable knowledge about this disease. 

Family caregivers have been significantly impacted by 

the program's outreach efforts. Evaluations and follow 

up with caregivers demonstrate that caregivers are 

learning how to understand and manage challenging 

behaviors, utilize various activities to enhance 

quality of life, and identify helpful resources 

(even on the reservation). 

One key to the success of the BAI Native 

American Outreach Program is the impressive 

collaborative spirit that exists between all of the 

partners that make it possible. Twelve Native American 

volunteers serve in an advisory capacity while another 

group of 15 volunteers plans the annual conference. 

Outreach and education are provided by physicians, 

nurses and social workers from Banner Alzheimer’s 

Institute. The program collaborates with individual 

tribes to design and execute outreach and training 

efforts specific to their identified needs. Additional 

community partners include the larger Native 

American community in Arizona, the Alzheimer's 

Association, the Area Agency on Aging, and 

medical providers. 

Another crucial component of the positive 

impact this program continues to have on Native 

Americans in Arizona is the philanthropic support of 

individuals, corporations and private foundations. 

One such organization – The Sophie and John Ottens 

Foundation – has provided support for the annual 

conference for the past two years. The conference, now 

in its eighth year, provides additional education and 

outreach to this underserved population. The Sophie 

and John Ottens Foundation is committed to assisting 

Native Americans in the areas of education and 

health promotion. 

Recent statistics show there is a growing number 

of older adults, both urban and on the reservation, 

who are experiencing dementia. It is only through the 

generosity of our community that Banner Alzheimer’s 

Institute can extend its reach into underserved 

populations and achieve its mission of ending 

Alzheimer’s disease before another generation is lost. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 27

Banner Good Samaritan 

Poison and Drug Information Center 

Community support more critical than ever 

What would you do if you were stung by a 

scorpion Who would you turn to if your parent took 

too much of their medication How do you know if your 

household cleaning product is harmful to your child 

On any given day, about three hundred people call 

Banner Good Samaritan’s Poison and Drug Information 

Center with questions like these. They are desperate 

for answers and assistance. The free hotline has been 

serving our community for over thirty years. 

Donna Stevens, a registered nurse at the center, 

has been answering calls and questions for more than 

20 years. She says, “We get more calls now because 

there are more ‘poisons’ to get into, and fewer parents 

are at home full-time.” 

Still, at a time when calls are increasing - last year 

more than 109,000 calls came in - funding is being cut. 

Budget cuts at the federal level could cause the center 

to lose up to twenty-five percent of its funding, 

resulting in fewer nurses like Donna taking calls. “Our 

goal is no wait times. If the wait times are longer, the 

caller could ‘give up’ and end up in the ER.” Potential 

cuts could put the center’s good track record at risk. 

Last year, the majority of callers were “treated” over 

the phone, eliminating the need to go to the 

emergency room. In fact, 74% of the calls were 

managed at home. That number jumps to 90% when 

the call involved children. 

To prepare for possible cuts, this year’s 57th 

Annual Candlelight Capers, Banner Good Samaritan’s 

signature fundraising event, will benefit the Poison and 

Drug Information Center. The gala is set for Saturday, 

December 3, 2011 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and 

Spa. Candlelight Capers is expected to raise about 

$500,000, with all proceeds going directly to Banner 

Good Samaritan’s Poison and Drug Information Center. 

In the meantime, Donna Stevens will continue to 

be one of the the calming voices on the other end of 

often frantic calls. “My job is the best kept secret in 

nursing. I make a difference and keep people safe.” 

If you have a poison emergency, call 1-800-222- 

1222 or 602-253-3334. For more information about 

Candlelight Capers, please call (602) 747-4608 or 

email natalie.hood@bannnerhealth.com. 


Banner Psychiatric Center 

Offering specialized care without the wait 

on a Saturday this spring, the observation area of the 

newly opened banner Psychiatric Center is strikingly 

peaceful. Several of the patients are sleeping in the large, 

dimly lit room, while a team of psychiatrists and nurses 

monitor their conditions and work to coordinate their care. 

through generous financial and community support, the 

banner Psychiatric Center opened in September 2010. Since 

opening just a few short months ago, more than 4,000 

patients have been treated at a place designed to be an 

emergency room for people dealing with issues ranging from 

drug withdrawal to suicidal thoughts. dr. Karen Kando is a 

psychiatrist at bPC. “a lot of people don’t know how to 

access care when they are possibly suffering from a mental 

health condition. they suffer in silence.” 

before banner Psychiatric Center opened on the 

grounds of the banner behavioral Health campus in 

Scottsdale, patients dealing with psychiatric conditions 

would often end up in an emergency room waiting an 

average of 13 hours for proper treatment. dr. Kando says, 

“those in the er are well-trained to deal with medical 

issues, but not as trained to deal with mental health 

issues.” in early 2010 the banner Health foundation board 

of directors approved the use of $584,000 in charitable 

contributions to help fund the 

$2.2 million renovation that created this much-needed 

community resource. 

at the banner Psychiatric Center patients are 

immediately seen by someone trained to treat a behavioral 

health condition. Close to forty percent of the patients are 

“walk-ins”; the rest are transferred from hospital emergency 

rooms. Patients can stay for up to 23 hours before being 

released or admitted for further care. dr. Kando shares, 

“they might be okay to leave within hours of starting 

medication. they feel better. We still work to coordinate 

their care with a psychiatrist, their family, the patient and 

the community.” that effort to ensure success is what 

makes her difficult job worth doing: “i really enjoy helping 

those with mental illness, those who need extra help to 

function and just do things on their own.” 

to find out more about the banner Psychiatric Center, 

go to www.bannerhealth.com. to make a contribution in 

support of the center, please call (602) 747-giVe (4483).

founder of meds Connection, 

Sheila fitzgerald and husband 

alan are recognized for their 

vision and generosity. 


When inspiration 

meets action 

Offering hope & help 

to Parkinson’s patients 

SHEILA FITZGERALD had been living with Parkinson’s disease for about 10 years when she and her son 

Ryan joked about what they would do “if money were no object.” While Sheila made a light-hearted comment, 

Ryan’s answer hit much closer to home. After watching his family struggle to pay for the expensive medicine his 

mother needed, he said, “I would like to buy Parkinson’s disease medicine for people”. That statement stuck in his 

mother’s mind and what started as a simple conversation between a mother and son has now helped hundreds of 

people with Parkinson’s disease in Arizona. 

Tragically, a few years ago, Ryan died suddenly. As a way to honor his memory and his generous heart, in 

early 2009 his family created and funded Meds Connection at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center which helps 

people with Parkinson’s disease get and pay for the expensive medicine they so desperately need, but very often 

can’t afford. 

Most people with the disease take three to five medications a day. Even with insurance, the cost of these 

medications can run $1,000 or more a month. Renee Allen, a Meds Connection administrator, shares, “The 

medicines to treat Parkinson’s disease are absolutely vital; they are not optional for most people. This disease 

affects everyone differently, so for one person it might mean the difference between being wheelchair bound 

versus entirely independent, for another person it might be less extreme”. To date, 317 people have contacted 

Meds Connection, nearly $500,000 worth of free medications have been obtained, and countless lives have been 

changed. Community support is vital to the success of the program. A $100 donation can pay for a supply of 

emergency medicine for a day for someone with Parkinson’s disease. 

Program founder Sheila Fitzgerald admits, “You can’t imagine needing a pill that stops you from shaking but 

you can’t take it because you’ll run out completely”. Now, she’s reminded almost daily of the people able to take 

the medicine they need because of Meds Connection. Like a man in Glendale who 

wrote to her, “I take a pill three times a day to maintain mobility at a cost of $600 a 

month. Unfortunately I have to have it. Through Meds Connection I received a five 

month supply of the pills at no charge.” 

Today, Parkinson’s patients receive the medications they so desperately need 

through the inspiration of a compassionate son and the generosity and action of a 

determined mother. Meds Connection serves those with Parkinson’s disease and is 

also becoming a resource for people with other diseases such as multiple sclerosis. 

For more information about Meds Connection or to make a donation, please 

call (602) 747-GIVE (4483) or visit www.BannerHealth.com/GivingBack. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 31

making a 

difference 

With the number of 

premature babies on 

the rise, banner is 

grateful for donors such 

as mr. and mrs. don 

Pine who provide 

ongoing support for our 

tiniest patients. the 

Pines are long-time 

supporters of banner 

thunderbird Children’s 

Center and the Wee 

Care Program, which 

provides clothing and 

other necessities for 

disadvantaged 

newborns. 

Banner Thunderbird offers 

preemies the best care … 

close to home 

Lizette Rios was horrified when she learned she 

would deliver her baby boy at 25 weeks. She knew his 

chances for survival were slim but remembers how Banner 

Thunderbird Medical Center’s Level III NICU staff treated 

her on that difficult day. 

“They were amazing people,” Rios said. “They never 

made us feel like Kolden did not have a chance. They had 

high hopes for him and said, ‘we’ll take care of him.’ Every 

step of the way we understood what was going on.” 

A year later, Kolden Rios has grown from a tiny oneand-a-half 

pound baby into a healthy boy. The West Valley 

couple credits his good health to Banner Thunderbird’s 

professional, highly trained staff and their high tech, topof-the-line 

neonatal intensive care unit. 

Kolden is an example of the good work done every day 

at Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center. In October 2010, 

Banner Thunderbird celebrated one year as a Level III NICU 

after the Arizona Perinatal Trust granted the facility its 

highest designation allowing Banner Thunderbird to take 

care of babies at all youngest gestational ages. 

In its first year as a Level III NICU, Banner Thunderbird 

doctors and staff treated more than 530 babies with 19 of 

them being less than 28 weeks of gestation. In addition, 

128 babies were transferred to Banner Thunderbird’s NICU 

to receive the highest level of care in the West Valley. 

As the number of premature babies born to mothers 

across the nation and in Arizona continues to increase, this 

level of care in our community is more important than ever. 

Banner Health and Banner Thunderbird recognized 

this level of care was missing from the West Valley and 

made it a priority to ensure the hospital not only had 

physicians, nurses and staff who are highly trained in 

newborn medicine, but technology to support this vital 

service. 

After a year of serving the community with the Level 

III NICU, Banner Thunderbird’s Pediatrics and NICU 

Director, Barbara Cabrera, is happy to see the impact the 

service has made in the community. 

“Until Banner Thunderbird opened its new NICU, high 

risk moms-to-be were not only faced with the uncertainty 

of their premature newborn’s health, but they had the 

added stress of traveling far from home to give their baby 

the best chance for a healthy life,” Cabrera said. “Now, 

thanks to the highly skilled and dedicated physicians, 

nurses and staff at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, 

West Valley families can stay close to home, knowing that 

their tiny miracle is receiving the highest and most 

specialized level of care available.” 


Giving 

to Banner 

Health 

Many of the vital patient care programs, community services 

and technological advances at Banner Health are made possible by 

generous contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations 

that recognized their value and responded to a call for support. 

As a nonprofit health care provider, Banner embraces its 

responsibility to serve the community. We reinvest surplus revenues 

back into the organization to continually enhance our delivery of care. 

And, with contributions made to Banner Health Foundation, we can 

extend our reach and, ultimately, make a difference in more lives. 

We hope you’ll consider making a charitable gift to Banner Health 

that will serve as an investment in the health and wellness of our 

community. Below is a sampling of giving options to help illustrate 

the many ways you can choose to support Banner. 

• Cash Gift – a common and easy way to make a contribution, 

a cash gift enables you to see the immediate results of your 

generosity while providing a tax deduction for the current, and 

possibly, future tax year. 

• Annual Gift – your annual donation supports the purchase of 

new technologies, research initiatives and patient care programs, 

thus ensuring that the best and most advanced care is available 

for both current and future generations. 

• Securities Gift – you can transfer ownership of appreciated 

securities that will provide you with a tax deduction. 

• Pledge – a formal pledge allows you to make regular gift 

payments over a specified period of time. 

• Matching gifts – many companies participate in matching gift 

programs that enable you to multiply your contribution. 

• Charitable Remainder Trust – this option allows the creation 

of a trust that will pay you an annual income while the principal 

is retained for Banner Health Foundation. 

• Charitable Gift Annuity – by drawing up a contract between 

you and Banner Health Foundation, a gift of cash or securities is 

exchanged for annual fixed payments made to you for the rest 

of your life. You have the flexibility to decide how often you wish 

to receive payments, and you have the satisfaction of knowing 

that your gift supports important Banner Health programs. 

• Charitable Bequest – including a bequest in your will to Banner 

Health Foundation is an excellent way to make a meaningful 

gift upon your passing. Making a bequest also provides valuable 

tax benefits. 

• Vehicle Donation - Banner Health Foundation and Banner 

Alzheimer’s Foundation gratefully accept donations of motorized 

vehicles including cars, trucks, boats, RVs, etc. to help advance 

our nonprofit mission of making a difference in people’s lives 

through excellent patient care. To learn more about this taxdeductible 

giving option, please call (877) 537-5277. 

Be sure to consult your financial advisor to determine which giving 

option(s) are right for you. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 33

enefactors 

A Message from 2011 

Benefactors Chairs 

Craig & 

Tracy Coppola 

Exciting things are happening at Banner Health! Ground-breaking research initiatives at 

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, the opening of the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in September, 

and implementation of electronic medical records for all patients. None of this would be possible 

without the ongoing support of you - our most generous and dedicated supporters – our Banner 

Benefactors. 

As Banner Benefactors Chairs, we continue to be inspired by your gifts to Banner Health 

Foundation and Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation. Our Annual Benefactors – those that give $1,000 

or more each year – and our Lifetime Benefactors – those that give $25,000 or more cumulatively – 

are the backbone of our organization. We are also pleased to welcome a new group to our premiere 

membership program – Legacy Benefactors. These individuals have chosen to support Banner 

Health through a planned gift such as a bequest or other type of deferred gift. 

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to providing excellent patient care in 

Arizona and beyond! 


enefactors 

Lifetime 

Banner Benefactors 

anonymous 

mr. lloyd banning 

nadine and eddie basha 

dr. and mrs. Warren becker 

mr. and mrs. michael bender 

mr. and mrs. blair d. benjamin 

mr. and mrs. andrew J. berchtold 

Heidi and Jeffrey berkley 

mr. and mrs. merle d. bird 

blake's miracle foundation 

mr. and mrs. donald a. bliss 

mr. and mrs. david bradford 

mr. and mrs. Howard H. briggs 

mr. and mrs. Stacy J. brimhall 

mr. and mrs. Stephen m. brophy 

laverne beall burhans 

mr. and mrs. Patrick r. Cardon 

mr. Philip r. Cardon 

mr. and mrs. richard r. Cardon 

mr. and mrs. Wil r. Cardon 

mr. and mrs. Wilford a. Cardon 

mr. and mrs. Craig d. Carson 

dr. and mrs. Harry J. Cavanagh, Jr. 

mrs. geri g. Cavanagh 

mr. and mrs. J. baxter Chapman 

dr. and mrs. martin S. Chattman 

mr. and mrs. dick i. Chung 

mrs. marcy S. Clark 

mr. donald e. Cline 

mr. and mrs. John f. Cota 

mr. and mrs. tony Coury, Jr. 

dr. and mrs. ronald J. Creasman 

mr. and mrs. James C. Crews 

ms. Virginia dayton 

mrs. barbara W. dean 

mr. and mrs. robert delgado 

mrs. florence dellage 

ms. Carol a. den Herder 

mr. and mrs. Verde V. dickey 

dr. and mrs. david dudgeon 

John and anne duffy 

mr. and mrs. Paul f. eckstein 

mr. and mrs. michael J. elliott 

mr. richard medland and 

ms. Patricia engels 

anita and ross farnsworth 

mr. and mrs. richard l. federico 

Peter S. fine and rebecca ailes-fine 

the fitzgerald family 

robert and anita flori Charitable fund 

mr. and mrs. John W. graham 

dr. and mrs. robert e. graves 

mr. and mrs. daniel d. green 

dr. oliver and Sharon Harper 

ms. Carole Harrison 

dr. Joni J. Hegel 

the Suzanne & Steven Hilton family 

tony and eleanor Jannetti 

dr. and mrs. John m. Johnson 

mr. and mrs. Philip o. Johnson 

mrs. betty J. Kansky 

mrs. anna lou Kelso 

mr. and mrs. algie e. King 

mr. and mrs. donald t. Kohlstedt 

John and Kim Kressaty 

the estate of ted d. laughlin, md 

mr. and mrs. larry lazarus 

dr. and mrs. alan i. leibowitz 

matt leinart foundation 

“ 

Kim and I decided to support Banner Baywood 

Medical Center and Banner Heart Hospital after the 

excellent care I received while waiting for my heart 

transplant. The doctors, nurses and staff did a great 

job in keeping me alive so I could receive a new heart. 

They made a difference in our lives. 

” 

Kim and John Kressaty – lifetime benefactors 

mr. and mrs. delbert r. lewis 

tom and Jan lewis 

mrs. ann magro 

mr. and mrs. rex g. maughan 

dr. and mrs. lawrence S. mayer 

the Hon. and mrs. John S. mcCain 

mr. and mrs. andy mcCain 

mr. and mrs. ronald H. mcgee 

norma e. mercer 

lisa and alfredo molina 

mcKenzie monks foundation 

mr. and mrs. James l. nesbitt 

mr. and mrs. John nesbitt 

mrs. ruth nesbitt 

the nomis foundation 

mr. and mrs. ted northrop, Jr. 

mr. and mrs. John r. norton, iii 

mr. and mrs. William H. o'brien 

mr. and mrs. Carl b. owens 

dr. and mrs. ed f. oxford 

michael a. Pachtman, m.d. 

ms. millie Page 

mr. Stephen d. Paine 

mr. Steve noone and mrs. laura 

Palmer noone 

the Pearce family trust 

mr. and mrs. William Peltier 

mr. and mrs. John W. Perkinson 

Carol Peterson 

mr. and mrs. michael a. Pollack 

Wallace a. reed, m.d. 

mr. and mrs. thomas P. rezler 

mr. and mrs. Wilburn C. roberts 

dr. and mrs. louis a. rosati 

ms. Sarene H. ross 

dr. norm and Pam Saba 

mrs. Saranjit K. Saini 

dr. and mrs. Clarence Sarkodee-adoo 

dr. and mrs. donald f. Schaller 

mr. and mrs. Kenneth W. Sheely 

the linda and martin Shultz 

family foundation 

Stuart r. and nancy J. Smith 

mrs. louise Solheim 

Paul and Susan Stander 

mr. and mrs. Jerre Stead 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 35

enefactors 

mr. and mrs. Jeffrey C. Stone 

mr. James Stuart, Jr. 

mrs. Joyce J. taber 

dr. Pierre tariot and 

ms. laura J. Jakimovich 

dr. and mrs. thomas J. taylor 

mr. and mrs. John W. teets 

mr. and mrs. John W. thatcher 

mr. and mrs. Jeremiah thorne 

ms. f. bernedene toms 

mr. and mrs. ryan m. turley 

mr. and mrs. Kenneth Van Winkle 

mr. and mrs. richard C. Walpole 

mr. and mrs. frank H. Walsh Jr. 

mr. and mrs. marion Weidenbener, Jr. 

mr. and mrs. Charles H. Welliver 

Carol and Craig Willett 

mr. and mrs. James f. Wirth 

mr. and mrs. Steve Young 

mrs. martha J. Youngker 

Annual 


anonymous 

ms. nancy adamson 

mr. and mrs. michael agnew 

mr. and mrs. bert alanko 

mr. and mrs. James allen 

gary & rhonda anderson 

Christy atler & Simon navarro 

mr. and mrs. Harry axford 

mr. glen baker 

mr. mark barkenbush 

laren and Sue bates 

mr. and mrs. William d. beach 

mrs. Sherrie l. beardsley 

dr. Scott Wyant and 

dr. marjorie J. bessel 

bruce a. bethancourt, Jr., m.d. 

mr. and mrs. Carr bettis 

mr. and mrs. martin beverly 

david m. bixby 

ms. Patricia K. block 

mr. and mrs. thomas bollinger 

dr. and mrs. Jonathan a. e. bolton 

ms. terry bond 

mr. and mrs. William P. boni 

ms. Penny boone 

mr. doug bowen 

ms. dorothea S. bowers 

mr. and mrs. alan d. bradley 

ms. Paula bradney 

ms. Helle brand 

mr. and mrs. James t. brannon 

mr. and mrs. gregory a. brink 

mr. and mrs. Jeff a. buehrle 

ron and barbara bunnell 

mr. and mrs. James l. burdick 

Susanne g. burkett, m.d. 

ms. teresa buttars 

ms. barbara Cabrera 

mr. and mrs. James t. Caddell 

mr. and mrs. Peter Calcaterra 

mr. and mrs. richard W. Campbell 

ms. gayle a. Campo 

‘‘ 

We support Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation 

because of the work that Drs. Reiman and 

Tariot are doing. We are in awe of what they 

have accomplished thus far and are amazed 

at how quickly they are solving problems for 

Alzheimer’s patients. The care that my mother 

is receiving is excellent. 

” 

robin milne – annual benefactor 

ms. traci l. Canfield 

ms. Shirley Caris 

ms. Kim Carkhuff 

mr. and mrs. Chip Carmer 

mr. edward m. Carne 

Wanda m. Casady 

Salvatore f. Casano, m.d. 

mr. and mrs. richard a. Cassidy 

mr. fred m. Champion and 

the reverend Jerrye Champion 

david and Carol Cheney 

mr. Joe a. Chumley 

mr. michael a. Cimino, Jr. 

ms. Susan Colvin 

mr. and mrs. r. Craig Coppola 

Joan Cox 

mrs. Janet Cox 

mrs. eileen Curnow 

dr. and mrs. Steven C. Curry 

mr. and mrs. gregg Curry 

mr. and mrs. tom Curzon 

ms. doris m. Cushing 

dr. and mrs. Paul dabrowski 

mr. and mrs. Carl dahl 

mr. and mrs. dennis e. dahlen 

mr. and mrs. Scott e. dahlstrom 

mr. and mrs. david m. damron 

douglas dang, m.d. 

ms. lisa m. davis 

ms. Jean m. davis 

ms. mary S. davis 

ms. ofelia m. demarest 

mr. robert e. denning 

mr. Jon H. desjardins 

Corey l. detlefs, m.d. 

mr. and mrs. thomas C. dickson 

dr. and mrs. marlin l. dimond 

ms. lisa J. donald 

mr. and mrs. david dougherty 

mrs. terry a. dowd 

Steven and Kirsten drozdowski 

mr. and mrs. Jamie dundon 

mr. david dunning 

ms. Paula durston 

bill and ruth dwyer 

dr. david b. edwards and nancy Siegfried 

mr. glenn a. edwards 


enefactors 

Banner 

Benefactors 

Spotlight 

Dick Chung (pictured with wife, Julie) 

Lifetime Benefactors 

$100,000 TO BANNER GOOD SAMARITAN 

LIVER TRANSPLANT 

“When I came to Banner Good Samaritan, 

we had been told my only chance for survival 

was a liver transplant. The physicians and 

staff immediately let me know we had come 

to the right place. They gave us a renewed 

sense of hope. Once my transplant was 

successfully completed, I was a new man – 

planning for a longer life with my family 

instead of worrying about the future for 

my wife and daughters. I prayed 

throughout my experience and know that 

God guided me to Banner Good Samaritan. 

I felt that I had to do something to show 

my appreciation for the amazing care I 

received. I am so grateful for my “2nd life” 

and I wanted the Banner Good Samaritan 

Liver Transplant program to continue to 

provide that kind of care for others.” 

mr. Kip edwards 

ms. diane l. ekstrand 

randy and Pat elder 

ms. Wendy elliott 

mr. and mrs. don a. evans 

don and linda evins 

Christine ewing and grace Schoenlank 

ms. Joan fedor 

mr. and mrs. James ferando 

mr. and mrs. evan fishman 

mr. and mrs. george a. fisk 

ms. dorothy l. fitzsimons 

dr. adam fleisher 

ms. beverly fletcher 

ms. debra a. flores 

dr. michael r. foley and dr. lisa dado 

ms. Karon ford 

mr. gary foster 

mr. and mrs. Samuel friedman 

ms. michelle l. galeener 

ms. Christina geer 

mr. Paul J. giancola, esq. 

mr. and mrs. david gimbel 

thomas W. glodek, m.d. 

dr. and mrs. edwin g. goldstein 

mr. and mrs. neil m. goldstein 

mr. and mrs. robert gould 

mr. and mrs. daniel r. govinsky 

ms. Kathleen guyer 

dr. and mrs. imad and mary Haddad 

Kristin l. Hanson, m.d. 

ms. denise Harrington 

mr. and mrs. John Helmich 

drs. barry and rita Hendin 

dr. John a. Hensing and 

mrs. Suzanne Coyne 

anne Hermida, m.d. 

ms. robin Hollis 

mr. and mrs. ed Holmberg 

ms. marjorie m. Holzinger 

mr. and mrs. Steven Hood 

danny and Camille Horn 

ms. Camille Howard-ritter 

mr. and mrs. nathan Howdon 

mr. and mrs. richard Hubenthal 

ms. debra Huguez 

mr. and mrs. erik g. infiesto 

ms. becky Jacobsen-blair 

ms. Jamie anne e. James 

ms. amy Johannesen 

ms. robin a. Johnson 

mr. and mrs. robert K. Johnson 

ms. bonita f. Jones 

mr. and mrs. bob Jorgensen 

ms. Joyce a. Joyner 

mr. and mrs. Wayne d. Kandas 

ms. deborah Kelly 

ms. beth l. Kent 

Hannah Kwon, m.d. and 

James Kim, m.d. 

dr. and mrs. Jonathan a. King 

mr. blake Kite 

dr. Jason d. Klein and 

dr. emily a. mallin 

ms. Julie Klein-roerig 

mr. thomas r. Koelbl 

ms. Kathy Kotin 

mr. and mrs. greg Kovacs 

ms. andrea J. Kramer 

mr. and mrs. michael J. Krmpotic 

ms. anita Kucera 

mr. and mrs. alan Kuhn 

mr. and mrs. tom Kuper 

mr. and mrs. neal Kurn 

dr. and mrs. Conrad lawrence 

mr. bruce J. lawrey and 

ms. Kay rutledge 

mr. Scott P. leckey 

ms. lorie J. ledford 

mr. and mrs. Charles lehn 

mr. and mrs. leon lemelson 

mr. michael lenz 

ms. Charmaine m. leoni 

mr. and mrs. anthony r. leszczynski 

Cathy and Herman lewkowitz 

ms. lori J. linder 

mr. and mrs. andrew e. liston 

mr. and mrs. david upah 

terrence J. loftus, m.d. 

ms. Juanita e. lombardi 

mr. robert a. lund 

ms. Patricia lundgren 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 37

enefactors 

mr. and mrs. david S. mabey 

ms. mikaela mackey 

mr. donald maloney 

ms. Sandra d. marken 

ms. dianne r. marples 

ms. monique C. martin 

dr. John H. mattox and 

ms. Janet Post 

mr. and mrs. robert mcCaffrey 

mr. and mrs. Stephen mcConnell 

allsion and rob mcdowell 

ms. dee mcneill 

dr. and mrs. michael mcQueen 

mr. and mrs. Kevin J. mcVeigh 

ms. mary meade 

ms. marian medina 

mr. and mrs. Kelly mero 

mr. thomas W. merritt, Jr. 

mr. and mrs. richard milne 

mr. and mrs. Steve moak 

ms. renee moe 

ms. bernadette murray 

ms. Patricia muscarella 

mr. and mrs. richard r. nenaber 

mr. and mrs. John d. neuner 

ms. tracie newman 

morris and genevieve nicholson 

dr. and mrs. donald K. nicolson 

dr. and mrs. John o'Connor 

michael P. o'Connor, m.d. 

mr. and mrs. Joseph o'neill 

ms. legay Parks 

mr. Samuel a. Patterson 

mr. Steve Payson 

ms. June Y. Peach 

ms. Joanne Pelowski 

dr. and mrs. William Pepicello 

ms. Kari lynn Perkes 

mr. don Petersen 

ms. Kathleen e. Piazza 

mr. John Placko 

mr. and mrs. arnold Portigal 

Keith and laura Price 

mr. John a. rajczyk 

mr. and mrs. Kenneth ralls 

mr. and mrs. Philip a. rauso 

ms. ellen J. reddin 

ms. Patricia r. rhoden 

mr. and mrs. James richards 

mr. and mrs. roger C. W. richards 

mr. and mrs. mark rietz 

marilyn and Stephen rizley 

mr. and mrs. david S. robertson 

Jennifer robertson 

ms. dorena rodriguez 

mr. and mrs. douglas W. roetzel 

ms. Karen rolph 

ms. anna m. rosalez 

mr. and mrs. robert roth 

mr. and mrs. donald Sanada 

todd and Karen Santoni 

dr. and mrs. david S. Saperstein 

mr. John r. Sares 

ms. mary ann Schmidt 

mr. and mrs. ian Schomer 

ms. Kathleen J. Schultz 

dr. and mrs. robert Schuster 

mr. James d. Sells 

‘‘ 

Working at Banner Estrella Medical Center 

is one of my life’s blessings. It’s not about 

how much money you can give, it’s about 

choosing to give whatever you can that 

makes all the difference. 

” 

Cindy Swaim – annual employee benefactor 

ms. Judie b. Shaffer 

ms. teresa J. Sharkey 

mr. and mrs. Clyde Sharp 

ms. Julie l. Sherman 

ms. myrtle i. Sillen 

mr. John m. Silverberg 

ms. Pamela l. Simms 

mrs. linda a. Skoff 

mr. and mrs. Jeffrey C. Slocum 

mr. bill Smith 

mrs. laurie Smith and mr. michael fortuna 

mr. and mrs. Quentin P. Smith, Jr. 

mr. and mrs. robert r. Smith 

ms. laura e. Snow 

mr. frank H. Snyder 

mr. and mrs. robert r. Soller 

mr. and mrs. gary Sparks 

ms. amy C. Spinti 

dr. and mrs. larry Spratling 

mr. and mrs. Jay Stallings 

dr. and mrs. mark Starling 

robert and Christine Steigerwald 

mr. and mrs. lon Steinberg 

mr. and mrs. daniel C. Stoecklin 

mr. John l. Strittmatter and 

ms. Patricia ganser 

ms. linda m. Stutz 

daniel and Patricia Sullivan 

mr. James f. Sullivan 

mr. and mrs. bruce Sutton 

mr. and mrs. Walter e. Switzer, Jr. 

tate-moss family 

rick and deb telles 

mr. david tiemeyer 

ms. Karin toci 

mr. and mrs. roger a. tompkins 

ms. Catherine townsend 

mr. Chris l. trudgen 

dr. and mrs. lester tukan 

Kent and ethel utter 

ms. Justina uzzell 

mr. and mrs. david W. Vaughn 

mrs. Cindy Via and Hank tatro 

ms. Cheryl Vickers Wicks 

ms. lorene Vickery 

mr. michael Vietri 


enefactors 

Banner 

Benefactors 

Spotlight 

Marian Bass-Govinsky 

Annual Benefactor 

$10,000 GIFT TO CARDON CHILDREN’S 

MEDICAL CENTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 

“As a teacher of gifted students for 37 

years, I am passionate about children and 

learning. I felt an immediate connection to 

Cardon Children’s Medical Center and, 

after learning about the School Program, I 

knew I had to do whatever I could to 

support this important program. The hope 

and spirit that the patients at Cardon 

Children’s show, no matter what their 

circumstances, amazes me and inspires 

me. They have truly taught me what is 

important in life. I love them and thank 

them. Through my philanthropic support 

and volunteering at the hospital, I know 

that Cardon Children’s Medical Center 

really is all about the children!” 

mr. larry e. Volkmar 

mr. and mrs. george e. Vyles 

ms. Kathleen Walker 

ms. margaret J. Walters 

mr. and mrs. robson Walton 

mr. and mrs. michael S. Warden 

mr. dale r. Warren 

ms. Jorja Watts 

William and marilyn Weckerly 

mr. and mrs. dan f. Weinman 

dr. and mrs. allan m. Weinstein 

dr. and mrs. Ken C. Welch 

ms. Cheryl Wenzinger 

ms. Kathleen Werner 

mr. and mrs. e. louis Werner 

mr. and mrs. todd S. Werner 

mr. Kenneth J. Wessels 

mrs. lydia Wheat 

ms. leslie Jo Wheeler 

ms. Cynthia Wickstrom 

mr. and mrs. Wayne a. Wight 

ms. Christina Williams 

mr. thomas C. Williams 

maggie Wilson 

ms. rhonda Winters 

mr. and mrs. lenny Witt 

mr. gregory g. Wojtal 

dr. and mrs. roy Yaari 

mr. Yusuf m. Yaqub 

ms. Kelly m. Yeats 

edwin Yu, m.d. 

ms. gail zerbe 

John and Pam zidich 

dr. and mrs. James zukaitis 

Legacy 


mr. milton l. andrews 

dr. and mrs. Warren becker 

mrs. olga bender* 

mr. and mrs. andrew J. berchtold 

mr. and mrs. Herbert J. bool 

ms. elizabeth J. brown 

laverne beall burhans 

ms. Sara Caskey 

ms. lois m. Clark 

ms. Cleo Compton* 

Carlton e. Conrad, m.d. 

ms. debra m. Cooper 

mr. and mrs. John f. Cota 

mrs. barbara W. dean 

mrs. florence dellage 

mr. Jack e. denton 

ms. barbara J. estenson 

mr. and mrs. labin e. evans 

mr. bradley C. gardner 

dr. and mrs. robert e. graves 

mr. Charles a. Hay 

mr. and mrs. Kenneth a. Jacuzzi 

mrs. esther J. Jefferson 

mrs. betty J. Kansky 

mr. and mrs. algie e. King 

mr. and mrs. donald t. Kohlstedt 

mr. Joseph Krug 

mrs. edyth larson 

mrs. ruby a. lehmann 

mr. daniel m. linguiti 

mrs. ann magro 

mr. Joseph r. mcdonell 

norma e. mercer 

mr.* and mrs. Charles W. monier 

mrs. ruth nesbitt 

mr. and mrs. Carl b. owens 

robert a. Price, m.d. 

mr. William n. richardson 

mr. and mrs. Wilburn C. roberts 

mrs. Saranjit K. Saini 

bert and Pat Sosnow 

Paul and Susan Stander 

dr. and mrs. Carl J. Streicher 

mrs. Joyce J. taber 

mr. and mrs. ben d. Walker 

mr. and mrs. richard C. Walpole 

mr. and mrs. marion Weidenbener, Jr. 

ms. anna Wolk* 

mrs. martha J. Youngker 

* deceased 

We regret any errors or omissions 

due to printing deadlines. 

f r i e n d S S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 | 39

enefactors 

Partners in Wellness 

Banner Health Foundation and Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation gratefully acknowledge the following new 

gifts of $10,000 or more from corporations, foundations and local community groups who have invested 

in our organization during the past 12 months. 

aCe Vending 

alberta b. farrington foundation 

american fire equipment Sales 

& Service Corp. 

amgen 

the amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis 

association 

the annexus group, llC 

anonymous 

arizona diamondbacks Charities 

arizona medical network, inc. 

arizona neurosurgery & Spine 

Specialists, P.C. 

the arizona republic 

astrazeneca 

banner desert & Cardon 

Children's medical Center 

Volunteers 

banner thunderbird medical 

Center Volunteers 

banner good Samaritan medical 

Center medical Staff 

bHHS legacy foundation 

biltmore Cardiology PllC 

blake's miracle foundation 

blueCross blueShield of arizona 

bristol-myers Squibb Company 

Cardinal Health foundation 

Cerner Corporation 

City of Hope national medical 

Center 

Clin-Path associates, PC 

Coca-Cola 

Comprehensive risk 

Services, llC 

Cox Communications 

delta diversified enterprises, inc. 

dPr Construction, inc. 

east Valley lutheran thrift 

Shop inc. 

eisai inc. 

f. Hermann-la roche ltd. 

fennemore Craig 

first things first 

fry's food Stores of arizona, inc. 

garrison family trust 

ge Healthcare Center, inc. 

genesis, inc. 

gila river indian Community 

the governors 

greek orthodox ladies 

Philoptochos Society 

Heart & Vascular Center of 

arizona 

Hensley employee foundation 

J.W. Kieckhefer foundation 

John & Sophie ottens foundation 

Keith d. Stoltz foundation 

the Kemper and ethel marley 

foundation 

Kitchell Contractors 

laboratory Sciences of 

arizona, l.l.C. 

lance armstrong foundation 

mabel's on main 

matt leinart foundation 

mesa united Way 

midwestern university 

nextgen Healthcare 

the nomis foundation 

nursing economic$ foundation 

our 365 - Share more 

Pediatrix/obstetrix medical 

group 

Pepsi Cola Company 

Peter Storm designs 

Progressive medical associates 

the ramsey Community 

Services foundation 

rizley foundation 

rural/metro-Southwest 

ambulance 

Salt river Project 

Sonora Quest laboratories 

State farm mutual automobile 

insurance Company 

Susan g. Komen for the 

Cure - Phoenix affiliate 

Swift Charities for Children 

t.W. lewis foundation 

takeda 

thomas a. Plein foundation 

thunderbirds Charities 

triWest Healthcare alliance 

trumper Communications 

of Phoenix, llC 

Valley anesthesiology 

Consultants, ltd. 

Valley anesthesiology 

foundation 

Valley of the Sun united Way 

Walgreen Co. 

Wells fargo foundation 

Willard e. Smucker foundation 

Banner Health Foundation Staff 

andy Kramer, President & Ceo • Christy atler 

maria aroz • Kim behrens • Kim Carkhuff • Pat elder 

gina gral • natalie Hood • Camille Horn • Stefani lawrence 

terri macKay • Cindy mero • Hazel richards 

andrea rietz • Jennifer robertson • Karen Santoni • dana Schiemann 

Kelly Smith • danielle Weiskopf • Sue Williams 

Friends Publication Staff 

Kim Carkhuff, interim editor • Christina Wofford, Contributing Writer 

Kristine burnett, Contributing Writer 

design & Production: linda Haskell, lithotech, inc. 

Photography provided in part by: ben arnold Photography, Paulson Photo/graphic 

Ken Howie Photography, dave Cruz Photography, Kurt iswarienko 

friends is a publication of banner Health foundation. find us online at www.bannerHealth.org/banner foundation 

Send comments, additional copy requests or address changes to: P.o. box 1897, Phoenix, az 85001. 



2011 Board of Directors 

board CHair 

sharon harper 

nominating CHair 

richard W. campbell 

ViCe CHairS 

John Graham 

laura Palmer noone 

John Zidich 

SeCretarY/treaSurer 

Jeffrey c. stone 

direCtorS 

David c. berry 

chip carmer 

harry J. cavanagh, Jr., M.D. 

Douglas Ducey 

Anthony J. Jannetti 

Alfredo J. Molina 

ted northrop 

William Pepicello, Ph.D. 

J. stephen rizley 

Paulina Vazquez Morris 

immediate PaSt CHair 

Ken Van Winkle 

offiCer 

Andy Kramer 

PreSident & Ceo 

Banner Alzheimer’s 

Foundation 2011 

Board of Directors 

board CHair 

Jerre stead 

ViCe CHair 

Pat engels 

direCtorS 

Mark sklar 

Jeffrey berkley 

heidi berkley 

Gene D’Adamo 

Peggy federico 

rick federico 

steven hilton 

suzanne hilton 

neal Kurn 

Julie lavidge 

robin Milne 

bob roth 

Marty shultz 

HonorarY board memberS 

Don bliss 

Justice sandra Day o’connor (ret.) 

richard Mallery 

Wallace A. reed, MD 

offiCer 

Andy Kramer 

PreSident & Ceo 

dr. Harry and CJ 

Cavanagh at the annual 

banner benefactors 

reception held at the 

historical Hermosa inn.

P.o. box 1897 

Phoenix, az 85001-9940 

Change Service requested 


Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation 

non-Profit 

organization 

u.S. Postage 

Paid 

Phoenix, arizona 

Permit no. 1596 

Calendar of Upcoming Events 

Banner Health Charity Pro-Am: 

Golfing Fore Kids 

grayhawk golf Club 

Proceeds to benefit banner School-based Health Centers 

friday, october 21, 2011 

Stars of the Season 

montelucia resort & Spa 

Proceeds to benefit the Pediatric rehabilitation Center at Cardon 

Children’s medical Center 

Saturday, november 12, 2011 

A Night To Remember 

W Scottsdale Hotel 

Proceeds to benefit the banner alzheimer’s institute 

Saturday, october 22, 2011 

57th Annual Candlelight Capers Ball – Winter Solstice 

arizona biltmore resort & Spa 

Proceeds to benefit the banner good Samaritan Poison and drug information Center 

Saturday, december 3, 2011

FRIENDS Magazine Summer 2011 - Banner Health

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