Dear friends,

Spring at HonorHealth is more than a season — it’s a time of impact, celebration and community-driven change. Some of our most inspiring and life-changing events are just ahead: Croquet for a Cure, the Women Physicians’ Leadership Council Brunch & Bloom, the Pro-Am at Grayhawk and the Tour de Scottsdale.

Each of these events tells a powerful story. Croquet for a Cure, founded by local residents Steve and Meg Seoane, is making a direct impact by driving the creation of the new Dementia Center at the Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute, providing vital support for patients and families navigating dementia. Local families are truly changing lives.

Women’s health remains a key focus at HonorHealth, and we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mary Claire Haver — national menopause expert and New York Times #1 bestselling author — to this year’s Brunch & Bloom on April 26.

These events don’t just raise funds — they build connections, fuel medical breakthroughs and bring our community together in pursuit of better health and well-being. I invite you to be part of this movement, whether by attending, spreading the word or supporting in your own way.

Thank you for your continued support. Your commitment is what makes everything we do possible.

With gratitude,

Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFRE
President & CEO

Robots leading infection prevention

Proactive infection prevention in hospitals offers numerous benefits, both for the patients and the healthcare system as a whole. Some key advantages include reduced hospital stays, improved patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

That is why HonorHealth continues to work with donors to lead the way in expanding our fleet of germ-zapping robots to protect patients and staff. HonorHealth Foundation donors Sharon Ulrich and her children Chris and Tracy, heard about the opportunity to invest in a robot, and they jumped at the opportunity.

Attending a recent Sharing Our Science event hosted by the Women’s Board of HonorHealth Foundation, Sharon and her daughter, Tracy, were thrilled to learn about the newest weapon in the fight to disinfect hospitals: germ-zapping robots.

Convinced it was a way to give back and aligned with their philanthropic interests, they talked it over with brother, Chris, and decided to purchase a robot as a way to honor their father and husband, Don.

With this donation, we invited them to name the robot. As a family, they chose a personally meaningful name, "PA," after Don.

Infection prevention is paramount, and the germ-zapping robot (pictured right) uses high intensity UV-C light to inactivate harmful pathogens, such as C. diff, MRSA, C. auris, VRE and other multidrug-resistant organisms. These programmable robots offer 360-degree autonomous cleaning.

“When Dr. (Nina) Shah mentioned the robots to me it just seemed so innovative and appropriate as a way to immediately impact healthcare,” stated Sharon. “We named the robot 'PA' after my husband, as a way to honor him but also as a call-out to his work in healthcare as an HonorHealth board member for many years.”

PA is assigned to the main operating room at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Campus, where it disinfects the OR before and after every use.

“HonorHealth leads the charge when it comes to infection prevention,” said Tim Nagle, HonorHealth Environmental Sciences supervisor. “Every room at the hospital is disinfected and the beauty of these robots is their efficiency — just eight minutes per cycle for top to bottom cleaning.”

Germ-zapping robots offer improved hygiene, safety and operational efficiency, making them a valuable tool in the fight against hospital-acquired infections and helping create a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers. Thanks to the support of its generous donors, HonorHealth deploys the largest fleet of these robots in the country, and their effectiveness shows up in lower infection rates.

“As a member of the Women’s Board, I love hearing about the science of healthcare but also the ways we can get involved in making an impact for our community,” said Tracy. “These robots are an investment in providing the best healthcare for not only my family but for every patient who comes to HonorHealth Shea.”

Ovation: Amy salutes her oncologist and team for five years of great care

For the last five years, Amy, a retired Arizona nonprofit executive, has been battling ovarian cancer. Beside her on the entire journey has been Dr. Arvind Bakhru and his team. Amy recently joined the Foundation for a surprise visit to Dr. Bakhru’s office to present an Ovation award in tribute to his care and that of his entire team.

Ovation is the Foundation’s grateful patient program, where patients or their loved ones can submit a tribute and charitable donation to honor someone who made a difference in their care.

Amy couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share a warm “thank you” in person and read her tribute in front of the team:

Given the recurrence rate of ovarian cancer, Amy visits Dr. Bakhru’s office or infusion center at least once per month to track her progress, address any changes or concerns and talk with staff about next steps.

We are honored you shared your journey with us, Amy, and all of us are rooting for your continued good health!

Find out more or submit your own Ovation!

Celebrating the Foundation’s Administrative Professionals

Administrative Professionals Day — April 23 — is a time to celebrate and honor the hard work and dedication of administrative staff who keep the wheels of our organization turning smoothly.

This group of professionals are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, ensuring that operations run efficiently. Their contributions go far beyond the tasks they perform; they are the backbone of daily business activities, and their organizational skills, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities make a significant impact on the success of the Foundation.

This special day serves as an opportunity to recognize their invaluable support and to express our gratitude for their tireless efforts.

As we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day, let’s take a moment to truly recognize the commitment and skill that our administrative team brings to the table and their essential role in creating a well-functioning and productive environment.

THANK YOU to our team: Darlene, Diane, Jazmin, Jennifer, Kim, Pat and Stephanie. Your hard work, creativity and everyday miracles are most appreciated!

Women’s Health the focus of the 2025 Honor Ball

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Honor Ball on March 1. What a fantastic night of philanthropy and festivities! The theme was Studio 54 and the Disco Era, and 1,000 of the Valley’s most generous philanthropists came together in support of women’s health initiatives.

HonorHealth Foundation is focused on helping support women's health initiatives at HonorHealth to address the unique healthcare needs of women throughout their lifespan. These initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of services, including cardiovascular health, cancer care, obstetrics and delivery, reproductive health and mental health management.

Your support of the Honor Ball ensures a comprehensive approach to women's health, combining traditional care with innovative solutions to enhance health outcomes for all the women we serve.

Thank you for being the heart of innovation and transformative care for our patients.

Watch this short video to see your philanthropy in action.

Nursing Excellence made possible by YOU

Our nurses are the heart of patient care. Your gift to the Nursing Excellence Endowment has helped support HonorHealth's exceptional nurses by providing them with advanced education and training.

HonorHealth nurses are already leaders in their field, earning Magnet status — a prestigious recognition achieved by only six percent of hospitals nationwide.

By investing in their continued education, you’re ensuring that HonorHealth not only maintains the highest standards of nursing care but also attracts the most dedicated and skilled nurses, eager to work in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Recently, we celebrated our scholarship recipients and the donors empowering our nurses and other clinical staff at a special luncheon held at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center (photo above). This was a chance for recipients to thank their donors and for the donors to hear about their impact and meet the team members touched by their generosity.

Your contribution to the Nursing Excellence Endowment empowers our nurses to focus on delivering high-quality patient care, ultimately achieving better outcomes for those we serve.

Watch this short video to learn more about nursing excellence at HonorHealth.

Croquet for a Cure

Join us at “the best lawn party in town” on Saturday, April 5.

Watch the friendly competition — American 9-Wicket Cut-Throat — and cheer for your favorite player! Enjoy a live band, high tea fare and open bar while funding the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders.

Proceeds benefit the HonorHealth Foundation Myles & Hermanda O'Connor Fund, started by the Seoane Family and The Dementia Center at the Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute, which provides multi-disciplinary support for patients navigating dementia.

Get your tickets today!

A cycling tour through the Sonoran Desert

HonorHealth is proud to once again be the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Tour de Scottsdale, April 12, 2025.

This world-class cycling event offers a challenging and scenic course through the Sonoran Desert areas of Scottsdale and the northeast Valley.

Participants can choose between the Full Metric Century ride of 62 miles, or the Half Metric Century ride of 32 miles.

Learn more or register for the Tour de Scottsdale today!

Women Physician’s Leadership Council Luncheon

Join us for a gathering of inspiration and education at the WPLC Bloom & Brunch, with guest speaker Dr. Mary Claire Haver.

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10 AM
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP, is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who specialized in menopause and is a New York Times #1 bestselling author.

Get your Bloom & Brunch tickets today!

Tax Credit available through April 15

Donations to HonorHealth Desert Mission are eligible for the Arizona Charitable Organization Tax Credit.

For your 2024 tax return, donate $470 (filing individually) or $938 (filing jointly) and you can receive your gift back as a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona State taxes!

Every dollar of your gift will go to Desert Mission programs including the Food Bank, Lincoln Learning Center and Adult Day Health Care.

Make an Arizona Charitable Tax Credit donation supporting Desert Mission today!