August 2026
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As we navigate another Arizona summer, I’m continually inspired by the compassion and generosity of our community. In this month’s Philanthropy in Action, you’ll read about the incredible success of our bottled water drive, which exceeded its goal fivefold. Because of donors like you, thousands of bottles of water are reaching vulnerable neighbors during some of the hottest days of the year, offering relief when it’s needed most. You’ll also meet Laureen, a mother of six whose life was transformed through a clinical trial at HonorHealth Research Institute. Her story is a powerful reminder that philanthropy fuels hope and innovation, opening the door to new possibilities for our patients’ futures. Finally, we’re pleased to share that our 2025 Annual Report is now available online and arriving in mailboxes. This year’s report highlights the many ways donor generosity is turning compassion into action across HonorHealth and throughout our community. Thank you for making these stories possible. Your partnership creates meaningful impact every day and we are grateful for your support. With gratitude, |
Dear friends,
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Active retiree finds back and neck pain relief, thanks to neurosurgeon at HonorHealth Research Institute Laureen, a retired certified public accountant (CPA) living near the Verde River, has a very active lifestyle. Her weekly training regimen includes multiple days of Pilates, spinning on a stationary bike and strength training. She also golfs regularly with her husband, Jay, and with other groups. After raising six children, she still likes to cook, walk and hike. In 2017, Laureen started having pain in the lumbar region of her lower back. “I was miserable,” she says. “Talking to people in my community, they said I have to go see Dr. Tumialan.” Luis Tumialan, MD, is an ASU School of Medicine and Medical Engineering neurosurgeon who specializes in spine and neurosurgery in the HonorHealth Research Institute’s Neuroscience Research Division. An expert in his field, he is director of the American Board of Neurological Surgery; chair of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Central Nervous System Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves; chair of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies; and secretary of the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery. For Laureen, he conducted a partial discectomy to fix a herniated disc that was pressing on a nerve in her lower back. “I’ve been incredibly impressed with his work,” Laureen says. Pain in the neck? She knew who to see When Laureen started experiencing problems with her cervical spine a couple of years ago, she knew who to see. “The pain that I had was constant. I couldn’t sleep. It would wake me up. I would feel it across my shoulder blades. All the way down my left arm, it was a nagging, constant numbness,” says Laureen, now in her mid-60s. “I had numbness down my left arm all the way to my fingertips. I couldn’t figure out what exactly it was.” She was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy. She needed disc replacements between the C5 and C6 vertebrae, and between the C6 and C7 vertebrae. Dr. Tumialan performed surgery in April 2024 as part of the Synergy Disc Clinical Trial through HonorHealth Research Institute. Recovery: full range of motion, no pain Laureen was amazed how quickly she recovered, regaining her full range of motion without any pain. “It was so simple. It was quick. It was 100%. It was amazing. I was out for a long walk the day after the procedure,” she recalls. “There is no describing having your life back with full mobility. I’m an extremely active person. To live my life to the fullest is an incredible gift. I feel blessed to have been part of the study,” Laureen says. “It’s been a very positive experience,” she adds, noting that she is now one of the members of her community who tells her friends where to go if they have back pain. “I’ve already been telling people when they tell me they have a problem. I say, ‘You have to go see Dr. Tumialan.’” Learn more about the HonorHealth Research Institute
Paws with a purpose In August, we celebrate National Dog Day by recognizing HonorHealth’s K-9 Security Program. More than beloved companions, these highly trained protection dogs and their dedicated handlers help ensure the safety of patients, visitors, staff and the community across HonorHealth’s various locations in the Valley. Their presence can help de-escalate tense situations, provide reassurance during challenging moments and create a safer environment for everyone receiving and delivering care. Every member of our HonorHealth K-9 team is supported entirely through philanthropy – from training and equipment to food and veterinary care. Thanks to our generous donors, these teams continue to make a meaningful difference every day. Learn more about HonorHealth’s four-legged heroes
Honor in Action: Annual Report now available We’re proud to share that the 2025 HonorHealth Foundation Annual Report, Honor in Action, is now available digitally, with printed copies currently arriving in mailboxes. This year’s report celebrates the many ways generosity is transformed into meaningful action, advancing patient care, fueling innovation, supporting groundbreaking research and strengthening the health of our community. Through inspiring stories of hope, healing and impact, Honor in Action highlights the difference donors make every day across HonorHealth. From life-changing programs to leading-edge treatments supporting those facing their greatest challenges, these accomplishments are possible because of dedicated partners like you. Thank you for bringing Honor in Action to life through your generosity. View the digital Annual Report
August is National Make-A-Will Month Did you know that more than half of U.S. adults do not have a will? For many, creating a will is something they’ve been meaning to do — but just haven’t gotten around to. That’s why August is recognized as National Make-A-Will Month: a timely reminder to take this important step for the people and causes you care about. Creating or updating your will as part of your estate plan is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones and reflect your values. It’s also a powerful opportunity to leave a lasting legacy to a cause that’s meaningful to you. If you or your loved ones haven’t yet made a will — or need to update an existing one — HonorHealth Foundation has gathered simple tools and resources to help you get started. Download your free step-by-step Estate Planning Guide and get the information you need to start creating your will or trust today! Want more information or have questions? Contact the HonorHealth Foundation Planned Giving team via email at LegacyGiving@honorhealth.com, or call (480) 587-5000.
Shop for a Cause at Dillard's, August 14 - 15 Shop at a participating Dillard's on Friday and Saturday, August 14 - 15, and a portion of sales will be donated to HonorHealth Foundation! Be sure to use one of the designated check-out registers (look for the balloons)! Participating Dillard's locations: Scottsdale Fashion Square Arrowhead Towne Center Chandler Fashion Center Superstition Springs SanTan Village
NICU Tea and Luncheon: Building miracles every day Support HonorHealth's tiniest and most fragile patients by purchasing a sponsorship package for the 9th Annual NICU Tea and Luncheon. There are fantastic options available from $5,000 to $250,000, and each opportunity 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 Secure your sponsorship today!
Morning of Gold sponsorships are available now! 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! Honor Ball – 50th Anniversary Event Additional information coming soon!
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