March 2026
HonorHealth holds itself to a higher standard by caring for the whole person, not just their symptoms. Through the support of our generous community, HonorHealth Foundation works tirelessly to help solve healthcare’s toughest challenges.
Learn more at HonorHealthFoundation.org
Leadership in medicine. Champions in philanthropy.
This month, as we celebrate Doctors' Day, HonorHealth Foundation is proud to recognize the extraordinary physicians who extend their impact as healthcare leaders to champion philanthropic support for HonorHealth. The 2025 Advancing Philanthropy Physician Award honors physicians who not only deliver compassionate care, but also inspire generosity, advocate for innovation and help strengthen our mission. Their commitment turns community support into life-changing outcomes.
The Foundation is pleased to recognize the 2025 Advancing Philanthropy Physician Award honorees.
Dr. Christopher Biggs
Co-Founder, Arizona Center for Cancer Care
As co-founder of the Arizona Center for Cancer Care and a board-certified radiologist specializing in radiation oncology, radiosurgery and gynecologic oncology, Dr. Christopher Biggs is a leader in advancing cancer treatment across the Valley. His expertise and vision are matched only by his deep commitment to HonorHealth’s mission.
A tireless advocate for access to cancer care, Dr. Biggs has generously given his time, opened his home to donors and supported the Foundation through philanthropy of his own. By bringing together physicians to share their expertise with our supporters, speaking at Foundation events about the future of cancer care in our region and encouraging colleagues to engage in and support the Foundation, he’s helping build a culture of generosity within our medical community. His leadership and dedication are expanding patient access and ensuring that world-class cancer care is available close to home.
Dr. Christina Reuss
Director, HonorHealth Heart Care – Women’s Heart Health
An Arizona native and Director of the Women’s Heart Health program at HonorHealth Heart Care, Dr. Christina Reuss is a passionate advocate for advancing cardiovascular care for women in our community. As both a physician leader and a generous donor to our Heart Care Center, she understands firsthand the powerful role philanthropy plays in strengthening and expanding access to high-quality care locally.
Dr. Reuss has volunteered her time and expertise to help shape HonorHealth Heart Care’s success — offering thoughtful guidance and even commissioning artwork from a grateful patient to create a welcoming and meaningful space for those who enter. She has also co-chaired HonorHealth Foundation’s Honor Ball fundraiser, helping direct vital proceeds to women’s health programs at HonorHealth. Instrumental in establishing the Women Physicians Leadership Council, she continues to champion greater physician engagement and giving, ensuring that philanthropy remains a driving force in delivering expert, compassionate care for our community.
Express your appreciation this Doctors' Day — celebrate your physician with an Ovation!
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.”
HonorHealth employees give back
HonorHealth has a strong culture of giving throughout our employee community. Through our Honored to Help Employee Annual Giving Campaign, employees across the network proudly make tax-deductible donations to the HonorHealth programs of their choice like the HonorHealth Greatest Needs Fund, the Patient Assistance Fund, the K-9 Security Program and so many others.
Each year, HonorHealth teams with the largest number of employees who participate in the Campaign earn a coveted Honored to Help trophy! This year, we were pleased to present the teams at HonorHealth Thompson Peak Medical Center and the Network Support Services Center and Corporate Office with the 2025 trophies for highest employee participation in the network.
By establishing a strong culture of giving at HonorHealth, we’re not just supporting urgent needs. We’re building a community grounded in compassion, purpose and shared commitment. Every gift, no matter the size, allows us to focus on our mission to find cures, save lives and transform healthcare. We are Honored to Help!
Providing support in the moments it’s needed most
HonorHealth Foundation provides myriad opportunities for grateful patients, families and community members to give back in ways that matter most to them. From funds that support specific disciplines like Heart Care, Cancer Care and Neurology, to funds that fuel innovation and build a healthier and safer community, there really is something for everyone.
But what happens when urgent needs don’t fit any particular mold — or exceed the available funding for a particular program or service? Enter the HonorHealth Greatest Needs Fund — meeting healthcare needs in real time, in the moments it’s needed most.
Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Greatest Needs Fund, HonorHealth can respond quickly to the most pressing needs of patients and staff — empowering healthcare heroes, enhancing the patient experience and kickstarting lifesaving programs, innovative research and workforce development initiatives that may not otherwise receive funding.
Examples of resources and support made possible by the Greatest Needs Fund include the HonorHealth Heart Care expansion, the purchase of a surgical robotic navigation system and two lymphedema treatment tables for cancer patients, the salary for a nurse for Desert Mission’s Adult Day Health Care program serving seniors with mental or physical challenges, and the strengthening and expansion of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services.
Because 100 percent of every gift to the Greatest Needs Fund goes directly to supporting patients, families and staff, your donation has maximum impact and helps ensure that programs and services across HonorHealth deliver the excellent care that our patients expect and deserve.
Todd LaPorte recognized with Servant Leadership Award
HonorHealth CEO Todd LaPorte was one of four distinguished leaders from across Arizona to be honored in February at the sixth annual Grand Canyon University Colangelo Servant Leadership Awards.
This award celebrates local leaders who place service at the center of their work — a fitting recognition for Todd, whose commitment to patients, HonorHealth team members and the community is evident in everything he does.
We are grateful for Todd’s heart for service and his steadfast support of HonorHealth Foundation — giving generously through personal philanthropy, as well as with his time and presence. His leadership by example continues to inspire others to give back, resulting in an immeasurable impact on the health and well-being of our community.
There’s still time to claim the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit for 2025!
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!
Follow, Like and Share!
Keep up with the latest from HonorHealth Foundation by following us on social media! We share stories about the heartwarming impact of our donors’ generous gifts, Foundation news and information about fundraising events!
Follow HonorHealth Foundation on...
 Facebook |
 Instagram |
 LinkedIn |
Philanthropic gifts fuel our mission for finding cures,
saving lives and transforming healthcare.
Will you join us?
