October 2026
Dear friends,
It’s my pleasure to bring you Word of Honor, a monthly e-newsletter from HonorHealth Foundation featuring inspiring stories of the lives touched and impact made through philanthropy and HonorHealth's century-long commitment to providing exceptional care across the Valley.
What truly sets HonorHealth apart is the generous support of our community. Everything we do and offer is made possible or supported by donors — from community programs like Desert Mission, to ground-breaking discoveries at HonorHealth Research Institute (HRI), to the lives saved and extended at the many HonorHealth hospital, urgent, specialty and primary care facilities.
In this issue, you’ll discover how innovation at HonorHealth is improving outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. We also honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a spotlight on the expert care provided by our healthcare professionals, and the compassionate support and resources made possible by donors.
With gratitude,
Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFRE
President & CEO
HonorHealth Foundation
Fueling the Future of Cancer Care
For patients facing pancreatic cancer, innovation can mean something profoundly important: renewed hope.
That is why a recent milestone in cancer treatment is so meaningful, not only for patients but also for the donors who help make medical innovation possible at HonorHealth Research Institute.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), a once-daily targeted therapy for certain patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. In a large clinical trial, patients who received the treatment lived nearly twice as long, on average, as those who received standard chemotherapy.
Long before the therapy received FDA approval, HonorHealth Research Institute was already helping bring this promising treatment to patients.
As one of the first centers in the country selected to participate in an expanded access program, HonorHealth was able to offer the investigational therapy to eligible patients months before it became widely available. That early access not only provided a new treatment option for patients with advanced disease but also allowed HonorHealth’s pancreatic cancer team to gain valuable experience with a therapy that is now changing the treatment landscape.
“Daraxonrasib is the first medication to demonstrate success targeting KRAS, a genetic mutation found in more than 90% of pancreatic cancers,” said Erkut Borazanci, MD, director of oncology at HonorHealth Research Institute. “Its effectiveness opens the door for more targeted strategies against pancreatic and other cancers in the future.”
This type of breakthrough does not happen in isolation. It requires world-class researchers, clinical expertise, infrastructure and the ability to participate in leading-edge research opportunities. Philanthropic support helps make that environment possible, enabling HonorHealth Research Institute to remain at the forefront of discovery and bring promising innovations to patients sooner.
Today, because of that commitment to innovation, HonorHealth patients have access to a team already experienced in delivering this newly approved therapy. More importantly, they have access to a research community dedicated to advancing the next generation of cancer treatments.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, HonorHealth continues to help turn research into hope, and hope into healing.
Compassionate care for every step of the breast cancer journey
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize the strength of those facing breast cancer and the importance of care that supports the whole person.
HonorHealth serves nearly four out of every 10 breast surgery patients in metro Phoenix, more than any other healthcare system in Arizona. Through donor generosity, HonorHealth Cancer Care has expanded to bring breast health specialists together under one roof, strengthening clinical collaboration and helping improve care for patients.
Tina’s Treasures Cancer Care Boutique reflects that same commitment to comprehensive, compassionate support. Founded by breast cancer survivor Clementine “Tina” Johnson, the boutique grew from her personal experience following a mastectomy. Tina understood how difficult it could be to find the specialized products and personal guidance women needed during treatment and recovery. She dreamed of creating a place where no one would have to face those challenges alone.
Today, two Tina’s Treasures Boutique locations — at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale and at the Peoria Medical Campus — offer personalized fittings for mastectomy bras, breast prostheses and wigs, along with post-surgical garments, head coverings and other supportive items. Just as importantly, patients receive individualized attention in a welcoming environment designed to help restore comfort, confidence and a sense of self.
What began as one woman’s act of compassion has grown into an enduring legacy of care, with groups like the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch fundraising to ensure Tina’s vision continues to help women feel understood, supported and empowered throughout their cancer journey.
HonorHealth Medical Campus at Peoria
The HonorHealth Medical Campus at Peoria brings a wide range of specialty and primary care services together in one convenient location, making it easier for patients and families in the Northwest Valley to access expert care close to home. This 100,000-square-foot campus is designed to provide a seamless healthcare experience, with specialists collaborating across disciplines to support patients throughout their care journey.
Services at the campus include heart care, cancer care, breast surgery, primary care, physical therapy, endoscopy, orthopedics and gastroenterology, all offered under one roof. By bringing leading physicians and advanced services together in a single location, the campus helps connect patients with the coordinated, high-quality care that defines HonorHealth.
The Peoria campus reflects HonorHealth’s commitment to providing accessible, compassionate care and serving the growing healthcare needs of communities across the Northwest Valley.
Making a difference: HonorHealth Cancer Care
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.
Because of donor support, patients at HonorHealth Cancer Care receive exceptional, compassionate care, along with access to innovative treatments and renewed hope for the future. The Cancer Care Impact Report offers a glimpse into the meaningful difference our donors have made possible. Their kindness and generosity accelerate medical advancements, strengthen our facilities and ensure that every patient receives the personalized care they deserve at every step of their journey.
15th Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Enjoy one of Scottsdale’s most extraordinary events while supporting exceptional healthcare in our community.
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Saturday, November 7, 2026
WestWorld of Scottsdale
From exciting polo matches and fabulous fashion to exotic cars, music and more, it’s a Scottsdale experience unlike any other.
Use promo code HONHEALTH when purchasing tickets and 10 percent of your purchase will benefit HonorHealth Foundation.
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
Morning of Gold individual tickets are now available!
Join your friends, colleagues and community members for a morning of hope and inspiration in support of HonorHealth Desert Mission. A limited number of individual Morning of Gold tickets are now available — but act fast; they won’t last!
Fantastic sponsorship opportunities are also available from $5,000 to $250,000, and each opportunity includes at least one table for 10 guests.
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
Friday, November 13, 2026
Arizona Biltmore Resort
Purchase Morning of Gold tickets or sponsorships
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
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Learn more about The Honor Ball
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