February 2026
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February is a month that calls us to matters of the heart — love, compassion and the courage it takes to care for one another in life’s most vulnerable moments. As we observe World Cancer Day and American Heart Month, this moment also serves as a reminder of what is possible when vision, innovation and generosity come together in service of better health. At HonorHealth, the future of care is being shaped every day. It is a future where patients gain access to life‑changing treatments sooner, where research accelerates discovery and where care extends beyond illness to prevention, vitality and whole‑person well‑being. Your partnership is essential to realizing this vision. In this edition of Philanthropy in Action, you will read about an HonorHealth patient who became the first in Arizona to receive a newly FDA‑approved cancer therapy — an example of how investment in research and innovation translates directly into lives changed. You will also learn about medical advancements unfolding across our hospitals and the launch of the HonorHealth Whole Health Institute, a transformative initiative designed to redefine preventive medicine and address chronic disease at its root. These milestones reflect more than individual achievements; they represent a system moving forward with purpose. Philanthropy allows HonorHealth to lead — to push boundaries, attract top clinical talent and bring tomorrow’s solutions to patients today. Because of your commitment, HonorHealth is not only responding to today’s health challenges, but actively building a healthier future for our community. Thank you for your confidence in this work and for the role you play in advancing what healthcare can and should be. The impact of your generosity reaches far beyond this moment — shaping care, discovery and outcomes for years to come. Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFRE |
Dear friends,
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Honoring the fight on World Cancer Day Healing and hope — both are vital to people facing cancer. They’re also exactly what patients find at HonorHealth Cancer Care. Here, patients with cancer and their families are given hope and support. They are offered compassionate care from world-class experts who walk hand-in-hand with each patient on their journey. At HonorHealth, patients do not fight cancer alone. They bravely battle cancer with an army of caregivers and support around them. Today, on World Cancer Day, we honor those patients and caregivers who journey together to defeat cancer. It is an honor to walk with you. Share your gratitude with your physician or care team today
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HonorHealth Research Institute patient with cancer is first in Arizona to receive new FDA-approved treatment Cody, 33, had never been seriously ill in his life, and had never even heard of synovial sarcoma, a soft-tissue cancer that most commonly affects large joints in the arms and legs. In the summer of 2024, while stocking shelves at work, Cody stood up with an unusual hopping motion and pulled a groin muscle in his upper left leg, causing severe pain. He didn’t think it was a big deal at first; people pull muscles all the time. “But a couple of months went by, and this muscle-pull wasn’t getting any better, in fact it was getting worse,” says Cody, noting that a mass had started to form at the site of his pain. Soon after, he started coughing up blood, and he finally sought medical treatment. Doctors speculated he might have a large blood clot, Valley fever or something else. But all tests came back negative. Soon after, in addition to coughing up blood, he had a difficult time catching his breath. “I went into the hospital because I could hardly breathe,” Cody says. “I was on death’s doorstep.” Scans and a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, and that the cancer had spread to his lungs, producing chest nodules that were the cause of his alarming symptoms. Doctors referred Cody to HonorHealth Research Institute and Justin Moser, MD, an Associate Clinical Investigator in the Oncology Research Division. Dr. Moser is also an Associate Research Professor at the Arizona State University School of Medicine and Medical Engineering and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. In September, Cody entered a protocol for a new FDA-approved cellular immuno-therapy intended as a one-time treatment for synovial sarcoma. The treatment had been shown in clinical trials to target the gene associated with synovial sarcoma, benefiting more than 40 percent of refractory patients, with a significant number of patients having durable benefit lasting a year or more. This was a great improvement in prognosis over previously limited treatment options that typically benefited less than 15 percent of patients. First, cells were collected from Cody’s blood and then genetically engineered to recognize and attack his synovial sarcoma cancer cells. These engineered cells were then grown to larger numbers and enhanced. In late September, this new army of billions of fresh and powerful immune cells, known as T cells, were then infused back into Cody’s bloodstream, making him the first patient in Arizona to receive the new treatment. He was monitored in hospital for about a week to watch for any side effects and then sent home. Now, he feels better than before he was diagnosed with cancer. “Honestly, I feel human again. I have more energy now than before I got my T cells,” says Cody, who is ecstatic that he’s been cleared to return to work. It is also a relief to his parents, his extended family and his wife, Nicole, who has been especially supportive during his illness. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through all of this without them,” he says. “We fought together for this. We’ve come a long way, and there now is hope.” Would he recommend this treatment to others? “Oh, 1,000 percent, absolutely,” says an enthusiastic Cody, whose recent scans show the tumor in his leg and nodules in his lungs are shrinking. His breathing is much improved, and he takes daily walks with Nicole to build back his endurance. Cody describes his interactions with the staff of the Research Institute as the best medical treatment he’s ever experienced. “They greeted me like family. They took great care of me and were always making sure that I was comfortable. I really appreciate HonorHealth for everything they’ve done.”
Advancing clinical care through innovation Today, modern medical marvels — regenerative medicines, futuristic technologies and devices, as well as nutrition science and other amazing advancements — offer solutions that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Innovation and disruption are converging, fueling our ability to be more than an interventional healthcare service provider; to deliver whole person well-being. At HonorHealth, our mission is clear: to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. Yet in the rapidly evolving world of medicine, fulfilling that mission demands more than dedication; it requires innovation. The HonorHealth Innovation Endowment in clinical care exists to bridge the critical gap between what traditional healthcare funding covers and what the future of medicine demands. ICARE Values HonorHealth’s ICARE Values are a bold proclamation of how we provide the best care, service and experience to you, your family and the community. The “I” in ICARE stands for Innovation, which we define as keeping an open mind, embracing change, taking risks and maintaining a creative mindset as we work to continuously improve the care we provide. Insurance and reimbursement models sustain today’s care, but they do not fund tomorrow’s breakthroughs. The Innovation Endowment ensures we can invest in transformative technologies, pioneering research and bold clinical ideas that redefine patient outcomes. It is our commitment to lead, not follow, in shaping the future of healthcare for our community. Medical innovation is dynamic. It has the potential to improve operating efficiencies, advance medical technologies, personalize medicine through improved patient engagement and provide predictive analytics. Through the visionary generosity of donors, these are just a few of the programs we can bring to life:
Later this month, your kindness, generosity and support for the 2026 Honor Ball benefits the HonorHealth Innovation Endowment, providing vital support to help enhance the quality of care HonorHealth provides while driving progress at the forefront of medical advancement. And for that, we thank you!
Introducing the HonorHealth Whole Health Institute HonorHealth recently announced the launch of the Whole Health Institute — a bold new step in our mission to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. While traditional care often focuses on treating symptoms, the Whole Health Institute is designed to help individuals thrive and enable them to prevent, manage or even reverse common chronic conditions. “This is a unique opportunity to reimagine healthcare by placing prevention and well-being at the center of the patient experience,” says Shad Marvasti, MD, Whole Health Institute Executive Director.
In addition to Blue Zones principles, the Whole Health Institute encompasses Integrative Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, creating a unique ecosystem dedicated to helping individuals understand and elevate their health. Dr. Marvasti looks forward to offering clarity in a world of constant, and often conflicting, health advice. With social media overflowing with trends and misinformation, he and his team are committed to helping people separate facts from fiction so they can make informed, science‑based decisions about their health. The Whole Health Institute — grounded in its core pillars of exercise and movement, sleep and rest, food and nutrition, fulfillment and purpose, resilience and social connection — represents an inspiring new chapter for HonorHealth and our community. We look forward to the healthier futures it will help create. Learn more about the HonorHealth Whole Health Institute
Get a dollar-for-dollar credit on your AZ state taxes! Donations to HonorHealth Desert Mission are eligible for the Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization Tax Credit! If making a gift for your 2025 tax return, donate $495 (if you file your taxes individually) or $987 (if you file your taxes jointly), and you can receive your gift back as a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes. Your gift will support programs including the Desert Mission Food Bank, Adult Day Health Care and the Lincoln Learning Center. Support HonorHealth Desert Mission today!
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Chronic conditions continue to affect millions, but research shows that a person’s physical surroundings can influence health outcomes even more than their genetic code. This is one reason why the Whole Health Institute embraces proven approaches such as the Blue Zones initiative, which emphasizes the power of environment, connection and daily habits to extend longevity and vitality. Further, research in the emerging field of epigenetics shows that simple lifestyle changes, especially in nutrition, can influence gene expression in a matter of weeks. This exciting science underscores the belief that positive change is within reach for everyone.
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Support Croquet for a Cure! Croquet for a Cure Player tickets have sold out and a waitlist has been activated. But you can still join us in the fight to END Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders by purchasing a sponsorship — each includes at least two Spectator tickets! Limited sponsorship opportunities and Spectator tickets remain, so act now to secure a spot at the best lawn party in town on Saturday, March 7! Purchase a sponsorship or Spectator ticket today!
Register FORE the HonorHealth Foundation Pro-Am! Help make great care possible for patients and families in our community by joining us Friday, April 17, 2026, at Grayhawk Golf Club for the HonorHealth Foundation Pro-Am! Register your team today or learn about sponsorship opportunities!
We want to hear from you! Later this month, you will receive an email from HonorHealth Foundation with a link to our Annual Donor Survey. We hope you’ll take just a few minutes of your time to tell us about your experience with the Foundation over the past year – our communications, our events, your interactions with your Gift Officer and your understanding of the impact you make. Your feedback helps us understand your needs and preferences and is the key to our continuous improvement. We would be most grateful for your participation. Thank you!
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