June 2026
HonorHealth holds itself to a higher standard by caring for the whole person, not just their symptoms. Through the support of our generous community, HonorHealth Foundation works tirelessly to help solve healthcare’s toughest challenges.
Learn more at HonorHealthFoundation.org
When courage leads to progress: HonorHealth Research Institute patient is happy she gave treatment another try
After surgery and initial rounds of chemotherapy that followed her first diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2023, Pamela felt great. She diligently took her medications and showed up for regular blood tests and scans.
With a mobile chemo pack, she even continued working at her high-stress job, handling million-dollar agreements as a customer service representative for an international pool equipment company.
But two years later when her cancer returned and spread to her liver, Pamela was hesitant to go through another round of chemotherapy. “I was very adamant,” she says.
After reviewing her options with Rizwan Khawaja, MD, MPH, Associate Clinical Investigator for Novel Cancer Therapies in the Oncology Research Division at HonorHealth Research Institute, she decided to try again.
“If it works, okay,” she thought. “If it doesn’t, I’ve got all my affairs in order.”
Pamela began a new clinical trial in August 2025, and less than a month later — to her surprise and delight — the results of her first scan revealed her tumor had shrunk 30 percent.
Her tumor has since shrunk another two percent and Pamela, now 62, is enthusiastic about the future. She spent her most recent birthday in Jamaica, retired from her job and is planning trips to see her children and grandchildren — and to attend a big family reunion. “I’m living life the best I can,” she says.
As for HonorHealth, Pamela says “There’s not enough time in the day,” to sing the Research Institute’s praises.
“HonorHealth has top-tier amazing people. The bedside manners, the treatment, the listening, the empathy — I don’t know what it is in reference to HonorHealth when they hire. Everyone that I’ve encountered is amazing. They’re very friendly. It makes you feel good. You’re welcomed with a smile. No one shuns you off. They ask you how you feel, and they listen.”
Pamela can name nearly a dozen doctors and nurses she has encountered, not to mention Dr. Khawaja and the Institute volunteers. “Everybody’s great,” she says. “The whole team is just amazing!”
Art, community and compassion: Artists of Scottsdale Ranch come together in support of Tina’s Treasures
Inspired by the strength of breast cancer survivors and the healing power of art, the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch have made a meaningful impact — raising almost $40,000 since 2022 for Tina’s Treasures Cancer Care Boutique at the HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.
This collective of 20 accomplished artists hosts an annual art show and silent auction to support Tina's Treasures, helping ensure that women facing cancer recovery have access to essential post-surgery products, specialized apparel and compassionate support services.
The boutique offers a caring environment where patients can find mastectomy bras, prostheses, wigs, head coverings and other supportive items. Just as important, it provides a welcoming space where patients are met with understanding, dignity and personalized guidance — helping ease the emotional and physical challenges of treatment and recovery, especially for those facing financial barriers.
The cause is deeply personal for many members of the group, whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. The annual show itself was founded 17 years ago by sculptor Sharon Martin while she was undergoing treatment at the Piper Cancer Center. In 2022, artist Judi Bloom became director, dedicating 100 percent of silent auction proceeds to Tina’s Treasures.
Year after year, their generosity has grown — from $4,800 just a few years ago to this year’s record-breaking total — reflecting the power of community, creativity and shared purpose. Through their artistry and compassion, the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch are helping restore comfort, dignity and confidence to women on their healing journey.
New tech detects heart trouble before symptoms even appear
Living with heart failure can feel like waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the 6.2 million Americans managing this condition, it often means frequent hospital visits, daily monitoring and constant worry about what might happen next.
Mark Seifert, MD, a cardiologist with HonorHealth, knows that cycle well. He’s seen how quickly heart failure can shift, and how frustrating it can be when changes aren’t caught early enough.
What if your doctor could spot heart failure changes before you even feel them? At HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center, that’s now possible for some patients.
A small, wireless device can be implanted during a minimally invasive procedure to monitor pulmonary artery pressure — one of the earliest indicators that heart failure may worsen. Each day, the device sends readings directly to your care team. If pressure starts to rise, often before weight gain or blood pressure changes occur, your doctor can step in early and adjust your treatment plan.
The goal? Prevent hospital stays before they happen.
This FDA-approved monitoring system is designed to last a lifetime and doesn’t require batteries. Patients don’t feel it while it’s working, but they do feel the difference that proactive care can make.
“We’re already seeing fewer hospital readmissions among patients who have the device,” says Dr. Seifert. “For our patients, that means more stability, more confidence and fewer unexpected trips to the hospital. That’s a meaningful change.”
In fact, patients at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center experienced a 30 percent reduction in heart failure admissions after receiving the device.
For Jill Berger, 66, of Peoria, the impact has been deeply personal.
“I’m feeling great, and I have real peace of mind knowing this system is in place,” she said.
And that peace of mind may be one of the most powerful outcomes of all.
Learn more about HonorHealth Heart Care and the impact of donor support
Making a difference: HonorHealth Desert Mission
As a nonprofit, philanthropy is central to HonorHealth’s ability to advance programs that deliver on our promise to provide personalized, quality care to our community. But giving through HonorHealth Foundation means you’re supporting more than great care — your contributions improve health and well-being, fuel medical breakthroughs, drive innovative research and much more.
And because HonorHealth is a community-based hospital system, decisions are made locally and the support of our donors remains right here, helping the patients, families and causes that mean the most to you. If you’re inspired by innovation and transformation, you can make change real for our community and even the world — and the HonorHealth Foundation Impact Reports demonstrate how the support of HonorHealth donors helps make it all possible.
The HonorHealth Desert Mission Impact Report reflects the extraordinary power of compassion in action across programs like the Desert Mission Food Bank, Living Well, Adult Day Health Care and Lincoln Learning Center. From food access and resource navigation to adult day health care and early childhood education, donor generosity helps individuals and families move toward health, self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
Your kindness can help save someone from the heat this summer
When temperatures soar past 110° in the Valley of the Sun, access to water isn't a convenience, it's a matter of survival.
Through the HonorHealth Desert Mission Bottled Water Drive, your gift provides clean, safe water to the neighbors most vulnerable to Arizona's extreme summer heat.
Our goal is to provide 50,000 bottles of water to people who have nowhere else to turn.
Every dollar you give is matched, doubling your impact. A gift of just $25 provides 200 bottles of water.
Your support today can save a life.
Save the date for the NICU Tea and Luncheon
Mark your calendar for the 9th Annual NICU Tea and Luncheon, benefitting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.
NICU Tea and Luncheon
Friday, September 18, 2026
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
Additional information and sponsorship details coming soon!
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!
Honor Ball - 50th Anniversary Event
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Additional information coming soon!
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