September 2026
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Strong communities are built through compassion, partnership and a shared commitment to helping others thrive. Time and again, our donors demonstrate these values through their generosity, creating opportunities for transformation across our community. In this edition of Philanthropy in Action, you’ll read about a generous gift from Robin and Terence Roche, longtime supporters of HonorHealth whose commitment is helping HonorHealth Desert Mission continue its vital work as it approaches its 100-year anniversary in 2027. Their generosity reflects a shared belief in caring for our neighbors and building a healthier future for all. You’ll also meet Marlo, a former teacher and social worker whose rare gallbladder cancer was successfully treated through a clinical trial at HonorHealth Research Institute. Her story highlights the power of innovative research, compassionate care and the hope that advanced treatment options can bring to patients facing complex diagnoses. Finally, in recognition of World Gratitude Day on September 21, we pause to celebrate and thank you for the role you play in making this work possible. Your partnership with the Foundation is improving lives and strengthening our community in countless ways. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and the difference you make every day. With gratitude, |
Dear friends,
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A heart for neighbors: Robin and Terence Roche invest in Desert Mission’s future For more than a decade, Robin and Terence Roche have supported a variety of programs across HonorHealth, guided by a shared belief that everyone deserves access to the care, resources and support they need to thrive. Among the causes closest to their hearts is HonorHealth Desert Mission, where their generosity has helped provide food and other essential services to neighbors in need. As Desert Mission prepares to honor its 100th anniversary in 2027, the couple has made a meaningful gift to support Desert Mission Food Bank’s mission for years to come. For Robin, the connection began with a simple observation. During visits to a nearby doctor’s office, she often noticed long lines of cars waiting outside the food bank. One day, she saw a young boy picking oranges from a tree on the property. “It broke my heart, and that’s when I became interested in this food pantry and how we could give,” Robin recalled. What started as one act of generosity grew into a lasting commitment. Both Robin and Terence believe that no one should go hungry, and they are passionate about supporting organizations that meet critical needs close to home. “Now that times are tougher, I feel that we need to give now more than ever,” Robin said. Their decision to make a special gift as Desert Mission approaches its centennial reflects both their belief in the organization’s impact and their hope for its future. “I hope people realize that our community cares and doesn’t want anyone to be hungry,” Robin said. “And I hope that people like me will continue to give so Desert Mission can continue to serve for as long as it’s needed.” The Roches are inspired by Desert Mission’s longstanding commitment to caring for neighbors in need and by HonorHealth’s broader approach to supporting community well-being. “It’s more than just a hospital,” Robin said. “They feed the hungry, support children and seniors and care for people in so many different ways. What a great organization — who wouldn’t want to support something like that?” As Desert Mission looks ahead to its next century of service, donors like Robin and Terence are helping ensure its work continues to strengthen the health, dignity and well-being of the community for generations to come. If you’re moved by the Roches’ generosity and the incredible work of Desert Mission, we invite you to join HonorHealth Foundation at the Morning of Gold on Friday, November 13. This annual breakfast continues a strong tradition of supporting Desert Mission’s Lincoln Learning Center, Adult Day Healthcare Center and the Desert Mission Food Bank. Learn more about the Morning of Gold or make a gift supporting Desert Mission today!
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Patient’s rare gallbladder cancer successfully treated at HonorHealth Research Institute Marlo, 58, is a member of the Gila River Indian Community, where she worked for more than 35 years as a teacher and social worker, specializing in helping disadvantaged children. In late 2024, Marlo felt unwell. She eventually went to a hospital where tests revealed cancer of the gallbladder. Gallbladder cancer is a rare malignancy, affecting about 12,000 Americans and resulting in nearly 4,500 deaths annually. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is survivable if, as in Marlo’s case, it’s caught early. Marlo’s gallbladder was surgically removed, but the cancer had already spread to her liver. Over the next several months, she was treated with different conventional chemotherapies, but none of them worked. When yet another was suggested, Marlo said, “No more.” Clinical trials recommended Instead, Marlo’s doctors recommended she seek advanced treatment through a clinical trial at HonorHealth Research Institute. In the summer of 2025, she met with Dr. Erkut Borazanci, medical director of the Research Institute’s Oncology Research Division, who explained that their targeted drug was an immunotherapy — meaning it works with her own immune system to fight the cancer — and would likely have minimal side effects. Unlike the conventional chemotherapies that required three to four hours of infusion, the Institute’s clinical trial drug could be infused in only about 15 minutes. Marlo has received infusions of the new drug every two weeks since her sessions began last August. “It worked! I came here with my tumor markers (scores) in the 300s, and the lowest I’ve seen it while on this medication is 17,” Marlo says. “The medication proved to be effective. The tumors are shrinking.” Recently, a lesion on her liver began growing, but that was quickly countered through a weeklong, daily treatment regimen with a new type of radiation therapy. Looking to the future Through her community’s Gila River Health Care, Marlo regularly attends meetings, learning new things and staying socially connected. “I want to continue to be active with the elders in the community,” she says, adding she enjoys alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage and chiropractic sessions, which she credits for improving her overall wellbeing. Marlo hopes that through her treatments at HonorHealth, she will continue to improve until there is no detectable cancer. Today, Marlo describes her condition as great, crediting Dr. Borazanci and the Institute staff. “Dr. ‘B’ is the best! He’s been very instrumental in improving my health,” she says. “And the staff at HonorHealth treat you with human compassion and understanding.” Learn more about the HonorHealth Research Institute
World Gratitude Day This September 21, on World Gratitude Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the donors whose generosity is transforming lives in Arizona. Whether supporting innovative treatments, strengthening community-focused programs or helping advance the future of healthcare, your philanthropy makes a meaningful difference every day. Together, we are creating healthier futures, bringing hope to patients and families and ensuring that compassionate care remains within reach for those who need it most. Every day we are grateful for you. Thank you for being part of the HonorHealth Foundation family and for the impact you make possible.
Artists of Scottsdale Ranch Fundraiser for Tina’s Treasures Each year, the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch host an art show and silent auction to support Tina’s Treasures Cancer Care Boutique at the HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, helping ensure women facing cancer recovery have access to essential post-surgery products, specialized apparel and compassionate support services. Mark your calendar now for next year's show: January 30 and 31, 2027. Learn more and support the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch Fundraiser
NICU Tea and Luncheon: Building miracles every day Support HonorHealth's tiniest and most fragile patients by purchasing tickets or a sponsorship package for the 9th Annual NICU Tea and Luncheon. Tickets are $300 for adults and $150 for children under 10, and fantastic sponsorship opportunities are available starting at just $5,000. Each package includes at least one dedicated table for 10 guests. Proceeds from the NICU Tea and Luncheon support the NICU expansion at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, allowing us to elevate care for even more infants and families. NICU Tea and Luncheon Buy your tickets or sponsorship today!
Support Desert Mission with a Morning of Gold sponsorship Becoming a Morning of Gold sponsor is an ideal way to provide support that fuels HonorHealth Desert Mission’s life-changing community programs. Through the Desert Mission Food Bank, Lincoln Learning Center, Adult Day Health Care and Living Well program, people of all ages are served by Desert Mission — and it's your support that helps make it all possible! Desert Mission Morning of Gold Learn more about Desert Mission and Morning of Gold sponsorship opportunities
Save the date for The Honor Ball – 50th Anniversary Event With its rich history and 50-year legacy of exceptional philanthropy, The Honor Ball is one of the Valley’s most anticipated galas. Our guests have come to love The Honor Ball’s cocktail reception, dinner and dancing. Please mark your calendar for an evening to remember! The Honor Ball – 50th Anniversary Event Additional information coming soon!
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