September 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 meet JaneyGrace, a young engineer who found relief from a deteriorating disc through a new clinical trial procedure at HonorHealth Research Institute, and learn more about a family’s inspiration to support Desert Mission as it approaches its 100th anniversary.
With gratitude,
Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFRE
President & CEO
HonorHealth Foundation
Engineer treated at HonorHealth Research Institute is second in U.S. to undergo new clinical trial procedure
JaneyGrace, a 33-year-old mechanical engineer from Los Angeles who designs electronics for communication satellites, was understandably concerned when faced with the prospect of back surgery for a degenerative disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae, in the lumbar region of her lower back.
She was especially anxious since the procedure she was considering had only been tried once before in the U.S.
“The decision to do the surgery weighed on me very, very heavily,” said JaneyGrace, who had been selected to participate a new clinical trial at HonorHealth Research Institute, testing the safety and effectiveness of an artificial disc implant.
“Everyone (elsewhere) seemed to have a horror story about their back surgery,” she recalled. And the procedure being part of a trial only added to her fears. “That was a large part of the trepidation and uneasiness that contributed to it being a difficult decision,” she said.
First diagnosed with a deteriorating disc in July 2022, JaneyGrace had already tried physical therapy and steroid injections, and was running out of options to alleviate the mounting pain in her back, caused by a loss of the jelly-like material that acts like a cushion between the bones of the spine.
“The pain was getting a lot worse and was really starting to impact my mood, my day-to-day life,” she said, adding that it felt extreme to have a disc replaced. “But I was in a lot of pain, and I just wanted to get another opinion.”
About a year ago, JaneyGrace eventually saw a Santa Monica physician, well-known for disc-replacement surgery, who recommended she see Luis Tumialan, MD, an ASU School of Medicine and Medical Engineering neurosurgeon who specializes in spine and neurosurgery as part of the HonorHealth Research Institute’s Neuroscience Research Division.
JaneyGrace was an ideal candidate for the procedure, which is intended for those between 25 and 50 years old. For years, physicians have either fused the vertebrae, limiting motion, or inserted a substitute artificial disc, which is a more extensive surgery. The new procedure uses silicone to repressurize the disc, thereby alleviating the mechanical compression and decreasing pain. This makes for a less invasive approach that preserves the outer part of the disc, maintains mobility and restores functionality while preventing any further deterioration of the spine.
After doing research and reading about the success of the procedure in Europe and South America, JaneyGrace was reassured by the rigorous testing the device had undergone. “That was the one positive data point that gave me some comfort in deciding to do it,” she said.
The simplicity of this one-visit procedure allows the patient to go home and resume most normal activities the same day. Dr. Tumialan performed JaneyGrace’s procedure at the end of last year and while she still had some residual pain for a few months, that has mostly subsided and she is back to doing more activities, even golf, which she had practiced since childhood. She’s now engaged to be married and is planning a wedding soon.
“Before the surgery I couldn’t walk more than about a half mile without being in a ton of pain,” JaneyGrace said. Now, she’s able to get out and on her feet without any restriction. “I feel a lot better. It’s like night and day, compared to before I had the surgery.”
She’s still building back her strength but feels like she is making good progress and is thankful for all the help she received at the Research Institute: “I had a wonderful experience with HonorHealth. I had a fabulous coordinator who was absolutely wonderful to work with. Very, very comforting.
“I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Tumialan himself and his staff. They were all super, super attentive. I feel so incredibly lucky that I found out about and got to do the surgery, and that I’ve had so much success from it. I know that is not guaranteed. I’m so incredibly thankful.”
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!
Your nearest HonorHealth clinic might be closer than you think
Earlier this year, HonorHealth welcomed 11 new primary care locations to its growing footprint across the Valley, improving access to high quality, expert care for even more Arizonans. With new locations including Sun City West (Surprise), East Tempe, Stapley (Mesa) and San Tan Valley — to name just a few — scheduling an appointment at a convenient location has never been easier.
Many of these clinics complement the addition of HonorHealth’s newest hospitals — Four Peaks Medical Center, Tempe Medical Center and Florence Medical Center — creating a convenient and more connected healthcare experience. Patients can make appointments online and laboratory services are also available at many locations, making it easier to prioritize your health whether you’re scheduling an annual checkup, sick visit or managing a chronic condition.
These new primary care clinics exemplify how HonorHealth continues to grow alongside the communities it serves. Philanthropic support helps advance that progress by funding patient-centered programs and services that enrich the care experience while enabling HonorHealth to pursue opportunities that bring high-quality healthcare closer to home.
Making a difference: HonorHealth Greatest Needs Fund
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 Greatest Needs Fund Impact Report illustrates the way our donors’ kindness and commitment enable us to provide lifesaving care, invest in leading-edge technology and continually enhance our facilities to meet the evolving needs of our community. Thanks to their generosity, our healthcare heroes are better supported, patients experience greater comfort and dignity, and lifesaving programs, innovative research and workforce development initiatives are able to take root, even when traditional funding is not available.
World Gratitude Day
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, their 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 our donor community and for the impact they 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
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
Friday, November 13, 2026
Arizona Biltmore Resort
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
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Additional information coming soon!
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