March 2026
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March offers a meaningful reminder of the extraordinary individuals whose skill, compassion and commitment define true healthcare heroes. As we celebrate National Doctors’ Day on March 30, we honor the physicians who stand with patients in their most vulnerable moments and advance the exceptional care HonorHealth delivers every day. Your partnership ensures they have the resources and support to continue excelling. In this edition of Philanthropy in Action, you’ll meet two remarkable physicians recognized with the Advancing Philanthropy Physician Award; leaders who elevate medical excellence and champion the vital role philanthropy plays in advancing patient care. Their work demonstrates the powerful impact created when medical expertise and community generosity come together. You’ll also read about a historic gift from trustee John Lucking and his wife, Pit Lucking, whose shared generosity is truly transformative. Their longstanding support and vision will accelerate progress in academic medicine for generations. Equally inspiring is the story of a grateful patient whose life was transformed by HonorHealth’s innovative, compassionate care. Just days ago, many of you joined us at the 49th Honor Ball, where your generosity fueled future-focused innovation across our health system. Thank you for making it a celebration of community and purpose. We are grateful for your partnership. Together, we are empowering physicians, uplifting patients and shaping a future defined by compassion and innovation. Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFRE |
Dear friends,
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Leadership in medicine. Champions in philanthropy. This month, as we celebrate Doctors' Day, HonorHealth Foundation is proud to recognize the extraordinary physicians who extend their impact as healthcare leaders to champion philanthropic support for HonorHealth. The 2025 Advancing Philanthropy Physician Award honors physicians who not only deliver compassionate care, but also inspire generosity, advocate for innovation and help strengthen our mission. Their commitment turns community support into life-changing outcomes. The Foundation is pleased to recognize the 2025 Advancing Philanthropy Physician Award honorees.
Dr. Christopher Biggs As co-founder of the Arizona Center for Cancer Care and a board-certified radiologist specializing in radiation oncology, radiosurgery and gynecologic oncology, Dr. Christopher Biggs is a leader in advancing cancer treatment across the Valley. His expertise and vision are matched only by his deep commitment to HonorHealth’s mission. A tireless advocate for access to cancer care, Dr. Biggs has generously given his time, opened his home to donors and supported the Foundation through philanthropy of his own. By bringing together physicians to share their expertise with our supporters, speaking at Foundation events about the future of cancer care in our region and encouraging colleagues to engage in and support the Foundation, he’s helping build a culture of generosity within our medical community. His leadership and dedication are expanding patient access and ensuring that world-class cancer care is available close to home. Dr. Christina Reuss 
An Arizona native and Director of the Women’s Heart Health program at HonorHealth Heart Care, Dr. Christina Reuss is a passionate advocate for advancing cardiovascular care for women in our community. As both a physician leader and a generous donor to our Heart Care Center, she understands firsthand the powerful role philanthropy plays in strengthening and expanding access to high-quality care locally. Dr. Reuss has volunteered her time and expertise to help shape HonorHealth Heart Care’s success — offering thoughtful guidance and even commissioning artwork from a grateful patient to create a welcoming and meaningful space for those who enter. She has also co-chaired HonorHealth Foundation’s Honor Ball fundraiser, helping direct vital proceeds to women’s health programs at HonorHealth. Instrumental in establishing the Women Physicians Leadership Council, she continues to champion greater physician engagement and giving, ensuring that philanthropy remains a driving force in delivering expert, compassionate care for our community. Express your appreciation this Doctors' Day — celebrate your physician with an Ovation!
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Heart patient still feels good two years after receiving a combination pacemaker and defibrillator Jeff, who works from home as a computer data-base manager for a major pharmacy firm, is a patient at the forefront of the revolution in wireless heart devices. Nearly 12 years ago, he was one of the first at HonorHealth Research Institute to receive a wireless defibrillator. Then two years ago — after suffering a heart attack and numerous minor strokes — he was implanted with a wireless combination pacemaker and defibrillator; one to keep his heartbeat steady, and the other to automatically revive him, if needed. It was Jeff’s third major device procedure. “I’m feeling good,” says Jeff, who before the pacemaker suffered from a slow heartbeat that left him struggling to keep up with his young grandchildren. “I couldn’t do as much as I used to. (Now), I can keep up with the grandkids better without getting wiped out.” His devices were implanted by Thomas Mattioni, MD, a Scottsdale cardiologist affiliated with the Research Institute’s Cardiovascular Research Division. Besides needing a battery replaced after about five years on that first defibrillator, which was replaced with a newer, slimmer one, it’s been clear sailing. Today, Jeff is grateful for the “fantastic” and “professional” care he’s received through the Research Institute. “I’m still trying to keep on going. I want to remain active. It’s a quality of life thing,” he says. “I have a better quality of life and get to do the things I want to do. I hope this device helps a lot of people in the future. I want it to be successful. I’m super happy with the folks running the study.” Learn more about the HonorHealth Research Institute
A historic gift strengthens the future of medicine at HonorHealth We’re excited to share a remarkable milestone made possible by philanthropy. Longtime supporters John and Pit Lucking have made a transformational $5 million gift to establish the Lucking Family Distinguished Chair in Medicine — the first distinguished chair in HonorHealth’s history. Their generosity will advance academic medicine, expand research and help HonorHealth attract and retain top physicians and educators. For the Luckings, this gift reflects a deep sense of gratitude. After John survived a serious accident in Antarctica and received lifesaving care at John C. Lincoln Medical Center, their connection to HonorHealth has only grown — especially through John’s service on the Foundation Board of Trustees. “Our support of this endowed chair is rooted in a deep belief and appreciation for the people and the mission of HonorHealth — we got to experience this firsthand,” the Luckings share. “We hope this investment strengthens our medical community and inspires others to join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Arizona.” Their gift also reflects a shared vision for building a healthier future for our community — particularly as Arizona faces significant physician shortages. Through endowed support, HonorHealth will grow its academic affiliation with Arizona State University’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering and train the next generation of healthcare leaders. HonorHealth Foundation President & CEO Jared Langkilde, MBA, CFRE, expresses deep gratitude for the Luckings’ impact. “This incredible gift is a powerful reflection of John and Pit Lucking’s enduring commitment to HonorHealth. By establishing our first endowed chair, they are shaping a lasting legacy in academic medicine and inspiring others to invest in future innovation.” The inaugural Lucking Family Distinguished Chair in Medicine will be named in the coming months, marking the beginning of a new era of innovation and academic excellence. Learn more about HonorHealth Academic Medicine
HonorHealth Foundation Honor Ball A very special "thank you" to everyone who joined us at the Honor Ball and helped raise more than $3 million benefiting the HonorHealth Innovation Endowment! Your presence helped make this year’s celebration truly extraordinary and directly supports the transformation of healthcare in our community. We can’t wait to see you again next year as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Honor Ball — our biggest milestone yet! Missed Honor Ball this year? You can still support medical innovation and significantly improve health outcomes in our community with a gift to the HonorHealth Innovation Endowment. View Honor Ball photos and videos
There's still time to get a dollar-for-dollar credit on your 2025 AZ state taxes! Donations to HonorHealth Desert Mission are eligible for the Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization Tax Credit! If making a gift for your 2025 tax return, donate up to $495 (if you file your taxes individually) or up to $987 (if you file your taxes jointly), and you can receive your gift back as a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes. Your gift will support programs including the Desert Mission Food Bank, Adult Day Health Care and the Lincoln Learning Center. Support HonorHealth Desert Mission today!
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