Dear friends,

Father’s Day is our chance to celebrate the strength, guidance and quiet nurturing that so many fathers and father figures offer their families and communities. As the father of six, it’s also a chance to reflect on the deeper meaning of what it is to look out for others — and how that spirit drives the work we do at HonorHealth Foundation every day.

We believe that one of the greatest strengths is service. Like a father who shields, supports and sacrifices for the well-being of others, our mission is rooted in compassionate care that extends beyond ourselves and into our community. Whether it’s providing healing, hope or a way forward, we strive to be a steady presence for those who need a hand up.

This Father’s Day, I want to thank YOU for helping us carry out that mission. Your generosity protects futures, nurtures potential and lifts up lives through quiet strength. Together, we’re building something lasting: a legacy of compassion and care that honors the very best of what fatherhood represents and creates a healthier community family for all.

With gratitude,

Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFRE
President & CEO

Lessons from fathers, carried forward by us all — Q&A

In less than two weeks, we will be celebrating the father-figures in our lives — recognizing them for their guidance, strength and care. For many, fathers and grandfathers are some of the first teachers of the values we hold dear at HonorHealth Foundation. As mentors, they show us how to innovate as we approach challenges. As coaches, they demonstrate how to work collaboratively and contribute to a team. As leaders, they model accountability and respect, encouraging us to treat others how we would like to be treated.    

Recently, two members of the HonorHealth Foundation team took some time to share a bit about their fatherhood journeys: Greg Mattox, Vice President, Planned Giving and Real Estate (pictured with family above) and Johnny Ghebreab, Annual Giving Officer (pictured below).

HonorHealth Foundation: What are the parallels between the lessons you’ve learned from your own father — or as a father yourself — and HonorHealth’s values?

Greg: Having five children with varied interests, passions and motivation levels, I have learned it’s best to place connection and empathy far above my view of how they should be progressing at their age or season in life. When I took this approach, my relationships improved with my children. I thought this was a profound insight, but then realized it’s what my dad did with me.

HonorHealth Foundation: What is the best advice you’ve received from a father-figure in your life?

Johnny: One piece of advice that resonates now in my adulthood came recently from an older friend of mine. He didn’t come up with it, but I never forgot it. He told me the only two people you need to make proud aren’t your parents, family, significant others or even your children. It’s the eight-year-old you and the eighty-year-old you. Both are watching you right now. One still dreams and the other remembers. Do right by them. (And of course, compound interest, because heaven knows they didn’t teach us that in school!)

HonorHealth Foundation: How will you be celebrating Father's Day this year?

Greg: Father’s Day for me? With five kids, work and other commitments, it is difficult for me to think that far ahead. Ideally, a ribeye steak with delicious sides, but it will probably be In-n-Out or something similar and that will be fine for me. 

HonorHealth Foundation: What is your favorite Father’s Day memory?

Johnny: My favorite memory was the first time we celebrated Father’s Day together while having a child of my own. It changes your whole perspective. You love your parents dearly, but I guess I never truly understood how much they cared for me until I became one myself. I never had more of an appreciation for them and what they went through for me.

This Father’s Day, may we find joy in the simple moments — shared stories, quiet laughs and time well spent with those who matter most.

A talk with Integrative Medicine’s Shad Marvasti, MD
Keep resilient in the summer heat

As climate extremes become more common, understanding how the body responds to prolonged heat exposure is essential — especially from an integrative medicine perspective that blends conventional science with holistic approaches. 

Heat stress doesn’t just lead to discomfort; it deeply affects major systems in the body, often compounding existing health conditions. This stress can silently intensify, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. By examining both the physiological impacts of heat and the preventative tools available, we can better prepare all individuals, especially those at greater risk, to maintain resilience in rising temperatures.

We asked Shad Marvasti, MD, and Integrative Medicine Medical Director (pictured right), to help us understand how to beat the heat and stay healthy.

From an integrative medicine perspective, how does prolonged exposure to heat affect the body’s major systems — particularly the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems?

Prolonged heat exposure can result in dehydration which can impact our kidneys, it can put more pressure on our heart making it have to beat faster to get blood supply to all parts of the body, and to the brain with decreased glucose and blood supplying nutrients.
Prolonged heat can also lead to heat exhaustion which will eventually lead to heat stroke if someone is not able to get to a cooler place and begin rehydration. 

There are subtle but recognizable differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as feeling dizzy versus a throbbing headache. But we must be aware of what our body is telling us. (See graph below)

Are there any particular supplements or lifestyle practices in integrative medicine that support the body’s resilience to heat stress? Do you recommend a general course for any age?

Limiting exposure to high temperatures and staying hydrated when you know you are going to be out in the heat is the key.  While heat under controlled conditions such as in a sauna or steam room can be therapeutic, prolonged exposure can be deadly. Short term exposure can boost our resilience to heat as well as our immunity and even decrease our risk for heart attacks and strokes. Safe prolonged exposure can be combatted with hydration and proper clothing to keep us cool.

Eating hydrating foods, like watermelon, is the best way to quench electrolyte and water lost from heat exposure. Drinking water with fresh squeezed lime or lemon juice and a pinch of salt can also help with maintaining hydration on a hot day.

Can you speak to how mind-body practices like meditation or breathwork can help regulate the body’s response to heat and prevent heat-related illnesses?

Engaging in regular meditation and mind-body practices like Yoga or Tai Chi will build our resilience to disease and strengthen our ability to withstand heat. This is not a replacement for wisdom in avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, but it can make a difference in our mood as well as in our ability to withstand higher temperatures over time.  Climates with prolonged heat seasons can produce anxiety or irritability and so activities that calm the mind and body can reduce those states of mind.

What populations or individuals are most at risk from heat-related effects, and how can integrative approaches be tailored to protect them?

Children, the elderly and anyone with a chronic condition are at higher risk for heat-related effects. People with chronic kidney disease or heart disease are particularly more vulnerable as well. Integrative approaches help strengthen our body’s resilience against a variety of chronic conditions by enhancing our lifestyle to optimize our health. Using lifestyle changes like exercise and food as medicine can prevent, treat and even reverse the chronic diseases of our time that put us at higher risk for heat-related effects.

A groundbreaking gift: real estate for a cause

In a notable first for HonorHealth Foundation, Kelly and Todd LaPorte (Todd is the CEO of HonorHealth) decided to make a gift in the form of real estate — the home of Kelly’s mom, Sandi. This decision was born from a unique opportunity after Sandi’s passing that emerged during their estate planning process.

“We didn’t even realize it at first,” Kelly explains. “When the idea of a real estate gift came up, we thought it was a perfect fit. We didn’t know we were the first to do this, but it felt right.”

This pioneering gift was not merely an investment, but a strategic investment designed to create long-lasting impact on well-being. The property, a single-family home, was sold and the proceeds were allocated to fund a three-year trial period for providing peritoneal dialysis cyclers and staff training across multiple hospital campuses.

According to Greg Mattox, Vice President, Planned Giving and Real Estate, there are a number of reasons why people make gifts of real estate to support the causes they care about. A few of the benefits of gifting real estate include improving liquidity by eliminating expenses normally associated with property ownership; receiving an income tax deduction based on fair market value of the real estate; avoiding capital gains tax that you might owe upon selling; and the real benefit of simplifying tasks and relieving the stress of selling.

Kelly and Todd’s philanthropic journey, which began with a deeply personal challenge, has culminated in a pioneering initiative that addresses a critical community need. Their story not only exemplifies the spirit of high-impact giving but also serves as a guiding light for those looking to make a difference in their own unique ways with the resources they have at hand.

The Planned Giving team has a dedicated Vice President, Real Estate. If you’re interested in exploring a gift of real estate, please e-mail us at Foundation@HonorHealth.com.

From desert blooms to hospital rooms

Striking swathes of brilliant pink, orange, yellow and purple delighted thousands of visitors to the Desert Botanical Garden’s Orchid Fever installation this spring. But when the show was completed, the Garden wanted to find a new home for hundreds of blooms.

They reached out to HonorHealth Foundation to see if they could be gifted to hospital patients and we gladly accepted this unique opportunity to bring joy to our patients.

HonorHealth team members quickly mobilized an army of volunteers to make it happen. On May 16, a truckload of orchids was delivered to HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn and Scottsdale Shea Medical Centers and presented to patients as a surprise throughout the morning.

“The opportunity to share these beautiful orchids with HonorHealth patients and their families inspired joy in everyone involved,” said Debra Stevens, SVP, Communications for HonorHealth Foundation. “Of course, the recipients enjoyed receiving them but all of us involved felt that we had been part of a unique opportunity to serve patients in a very special way.”

A very warm thank you to the Desert Botanical Garden for gifting a rainbow of blooms that found their way to hospital rooms.

Give the gift of health – make a splash in people’s resilience this summer

Our mission is to partner with you to make our community healthier. More resilient. Every day, we see how bad it gets with the increasing heat. The sun beats down and many of our neighbors have no water to drink. Older adults, young kids, people without homes — this heat puts them all at serious risk.

That’s why HonorHealth and Foundation employees are joining together this June. Our goal is to raise enough for Desert Mission to provide 50,000 bottles of water to those who need it most.

Every dollar counts and makes an immediate impact. And now, your donation is matched so your gift helps twice as many people.

💧 $5 = 40 bottles
💧 $25 = 200 bottles
💧 $50 = 400 bottles
💧 $100 = 800 bottles
💧 $250 = 2,000 bottles

Make your gift today and thank you for your care.

Join us for the NICU Tea and Luncheon

Save the Date and help our tiniest patients, Ready. Set. Grow!

This community favorite event will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.

All proceeds will benefit the NICU at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea — the Northeast Valley’s only Level III NICU.

Grab your ticket or sponsorship today!

Donations of virtual currency now accepted

What is that you ask? Cryptocurrency is digital or virtual money that can be used for various purposes, including online purchases, investment and transferring funds across borders with lower fees and faster processing times compared to traditional banking systems. It can also be used to serve your community through the funding of critical healthcare initiatives like those at HonorHealth.

Nonprofit organizations are increasingly adopting cryptocurrency as a donation, offering a convenient and innovative way for supporters to contribute, as it can be withdrawn and deposited from anywhere in the world.

Cryptocurrencies also provide benefits such as lower transaction fees compared to traditional payment systems and increased transparency. Additionally, donors may receive tax advantages, as many cryptocurrencies are treated as property for tax purposes.

"As a forward-thinking organization, accepting cryptocurrency as a gift not only opens the door to a global pool of donors but also gives us another avenue to mission success for our community,” states Jared A. Langkilde, president and CEO of HonorHealth Foundation. “It's fast, secure and offers a seamless way to tap into the future of giving — and be a part of a growing digital economy.”

Learn about the benefits and process for making a tax-deductible charitable donation of cryptocurrency while supporting the HonorHealth Foundation program of your choice.

Two ways to learn more about your impact

The 2024-2025 impact reports linked below are more than just updates — they are your legacy in action. They are a powerful reflection of how your generosity is transforming healthcare throughout our community and beyond.

Within these pages, you’ll see how your support has been directed towards purchasing life-saving equipment, empowering advanced research and fueling vital community programs.

Read about your impact now!

HonorHealth NICU Impact Report
HonorHealth Greatest Needs Fund Impact Report
HonorHealth Military Partnership Impact Report
HonorHealth Research Institute Impact Report
HonorHealth Cancer Care Impact Report
HonorHealth Heart Care Impact Report
HonorHealth Desert Mission Impact Report
HonorHealth K9 Security Program Impact Report

The digital version of the Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report is now available. Its goal: to provide you with transparency and showcase the impact of donor generosity on our work. It summarizes financials, highlights achievements and demonstrates accountability — reinforcing our commitment to you and the health of our community.

Read the Annual Report.