September 2024
At HonorHealth, we hold ourselves to a higher standard by caring for the whole person, not just their symptoms. Through the support of a generous community, HonorHealth Foundation helps us invest to solve healthcare's toughest challenges.
With more than 90 years of experience delivering quality healthcare, no organization knows and understands our communities like we do.
Leading-edge spinal disc implant helps firefighter
Two years ago, Dustin F., then a 37-year-old firefighter-paramedic for the Phoenix Fire Department, was flipping a heavy water hose off a firetruck during a training exercise. As he completed a twisting motion, he felt a sudden pain in his upper back.
"I felt a little stinger, and I thought it was just a pulled muscle," says Dustin, who didn’t worry too much about it at first. "Our job inherently comes with some expectation of pain. We encourage our members to know the difference between being hurt and being injured. Unfortunately, I just thought I was hurt and could push through it, not understanding the severity of my situation."
The 18-year veteran firefighter had previously worked in Apache Junction, and in wildland firefighting across the west, from California to Montana. “I didn’t realize how badly I was injured,” Dustin adds. “I just sucked it up.”
Throughout the next few days and weeks, his back muscles began to cramp and spasm. Dustin tried steroid injections. “It just kept getting worse,” he explains. “It went from stinging and feeling a little uncomfortable to a really deep burn.”
Soon after, the 5-foot, 7-inch, 185-pound firefighter lost all strength in his right arm. Dustin could barely lift a cup of coffee; couldn’t even grip his helmet or a broom. He remembers standing in a hallway of the fire station, crying from the pain.
Another firefighter, sensing his distress, suggested Dustin consider seeing a specialist. What did he have to lose?
An MRI revealed Dustin had a severe spinal disc herniation, but at that time, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to get an appointment or schedule surgery.
Finding a new option for treatment
Luis M. Tumialán, MD (photo), a former US Navy officer, spinal neurosurgeon and an independent member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff, took up Dustin’s case and — as part of a clinical trial — implanted an experimental “Synergy” disc in Dustin’s spine where the neck meets the shoulders. Dr. Tumialán is the principal investigator supervising the clinical trial, and also the Institute’s neurosurgery research director.
Dustin had seen other firefighters get their spines fused, resulting in limited mobility. The experimental disc he received provides him with flexibility left and right, forward and backward. And it was done on an outpatient basis, all in one day.
“I’m doing really good now,” shares Dustin, who still sees Dr. Tumialán for annual checkups. “The doctor made all the difference. He listens. He genuinely cares, otherwise he wouldn’t have fit me in between other patients. He’s clearly very good at what he does.”
Learn more about neurology care at Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute.
Advancing innovations in lymphoma and leukemia treatment at HonorHealth
For the first time, HonorHealth Research Institute is offering a promising clinical trial for patients with specific types of lymphoma and leukemia blood cancers who no longer respond to current FDA-approved treatments.
M. Rizwan Khawaja, MD, MPH (photo below), an Associate Clinical Investigator at the Research Institute’s Oncology Research Division, is leading the trial, which is investigating a new way of controlling B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) through the use of a daily pill.
This year, lymphomas will take the lives of more than 21,000 Americans, and leukemias will kill another 23,000, making them among the nation’s top 10 leading causes of cancer death. There is no cure for CLL and many types of lymphoma. Other treatment options can require extensive preparation, hospitalization and are associated with significant toxicities, explained Dr. Khawaja.
"Many elderly patients, or those with other medical problems, are not eligible for such intense therapies,” he said. “This clinical trial aims to provide these patients with a simple treatment option to control their disease, with fewer side effects. And, it’s a pill they can take at home.”
Lymphoma and CLL mostly involve lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system and are present throughout the body.
Lymphoma can cause the lymph nodes to swell to the size of a grape or larger. Patients also present with unexplained fevers, night sweats, fatigue and weight loss. Enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen can press against nearby vital organs, such as the liver or kidneys, affecting their function and causing severe pain. Like other cancers, lymphoma can spread to other organs, such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow and even the central nervous system.
For most patients, the cause of lymphoma is unclear. Sometimes it develops in cases where patients have compromised immune systems, such as when they undergo transplants for other diseases; are on immunosuppressant drugs; contract an autoimmune disease; or have HIV/AIDS. Some other infections can also cause lymphoma.
A crucial protein in the formation of B-cell lymphoma and CLL is called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK).
“There are already BTK inhibitor drugs approved by FDA to control lymphoma and CLL,” said Dr. Khawaja, “but the problem occurs when the BTK protein develops mutations, leading to resistance to BTK inhibitors.
“Instead, the drug BGB-16673 is a BTK degrader,” he explained. “This drug destroys that protein completely, overcoming any attempt by the cancer to mutate and evade treatment. Even among patients whose cancer was resistant to BTK inhibitors, this drug (BGB-16673) has so far shown really promising results.”
B-cell lymphomas account for about 85% of the more than 80,000 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) annually in the U.S.
Additionally, there are over 20,000 cases of CLL nationwide each year.
The advances being made at HonorHealth Research Institute are funded by grants and by donations from our generous community. Learn more about how you can support our mission for finding cures and transforming healthcare.
September is NICU Awareness Month: Krystal & Ashley share special bond
The bond of motherhood grows even stronger between those who have traveled the NICU road together. Krystal and Ashley have further forged that bond as co-chairs of the NICU Tea and Luncheon, and this is their second year together at the helm of the largest annual event for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.
Go back six years and Krystal’s NICU journeys were just beginning. Krystal’s complete placenta previa caused severe complications, leading to baby Graham’s arrival at 32 weeks. As a result, he spent 29 days in the NICU, which Krystal calls “his first home.”
"The NICU has touched thousands of lives and they do so with the utmost professionalism, immense love and precious care,” Krystal affirms. “Personally speaking, our family is forever grateful for the entire squad who treated our sweet baby and taught us a great deal about how to be parents under such challenging circumstances.”
Ashley shares that deep gratitude.
“The NICU was a safe place for our family when our baby was there,” Ashley says. Her son Stone was born one month premature and suffered from Intrauterine Growth Restriction, which is marked by very low fetal weigh and failure to thrive.
“Our baby is now thriving because of the NICU at HonorHealth,” Ashley recalls with obvious emotion. “Our hopes and dreams for our child are seeing the light of day because of their expertise and commitment.”
That’s why NICU Awareness Month is so meaningful to these two. Commemorated each September, it provides the opportunity to draw attention to the special care that takes place in a NICU.
Saving a premature baby’s life is quite an undertaking. Delicate and fragile every step of the way, highly skilled medical care, effective crisis management and new technology are a part of daily life at the HonorHealth NICU. Shea is a Level 3 NICU that can accommodate the most premature and complex newborns.
Last year, nearly 400 babies were admitted to the unit with the smallest patient weighing less than 12oz, born at 23 weeks. The average length of stay of 25 days; of course, some are there much longer. The patient volume challenges the team to constantly evolve.
This requires the help of sponsors and supporters like Krystal and Ashley. The funds raised through the NICU Tea and Luncheon go directly to meet the needs of the NICU. Without this critical support, life for many families would be very different.
This year’s theme, “Wish upon a star” is meaningful for both Krystal and Ashley, and the many NICU families HonorHealth serves, as their heart’s deepest wish is for their babies to come home healthy.
You can help NICU babies and their families, too, by joining with your friends and family for the 7th Annual NICU Tea and Luncheon, Wednesday, October 2, 2024. This uplifting event featuring a reception, silent auction, luncheon and special program where you will meet families whose lives have been positively changed by the care and compassion of our NICU team.
Just a few tickets remain. Be a part of the NICU Tea and Luncheon and reserve your seat today!
HonorHealth recognized among Arizona’s Best Employers by Forbes Magazine
HonorHealth has built a growing reputation as a top employer in the Valley. But last month, Forbes Magazine’s America’s Best Employers By State ranked our healthcare system at number six in the state while earning the highest ranking among hospital systems.
In addition, Newsweek named HonorHealth one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters 2024.
Recognition like this isn’t mere vanity. Our reputation helps us attract the very best physicians, nurses, leaders and team members. It results in higher employee satisfaction, which reduces turnover. And these metrics lead to better care.
September 21 is World Gratitude Day
World Gratitude Day was established to remind everyone around the world of the importance of expressing appreciation.
The emotion of gratitude is quite powerful. As humans, we have a deep need to feel appreciated, so being the recipient of gratitude feeds the soul.
But researchers have found that being more grateful can lead to an improved level of well-being, personal joy, stronger relationship and even a stronger immune system!
Help fuel the mission: Desert Mission is serving our neighbors with unique programs
For more than 96 years, Desert Mission has provided comfort to young children, fragile adults and families in need. Read the story of one man who was in distress and found a new start at Desert Mission.
Blaise, a senior on a fixed income, came into the Desert Mission Food Bank recently in obvious distress. The 64 year-old man is living on social security income and doing his best to make ends meet. But he was recently served an eviction notice and has been trying to work with the Department of Economic Security to participate in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). But he just wasn’t getting any answers.
Through the months without any news, Blaise began to lose hope and believed he was destined to become homeless. The caring staff at Desert Mission helped Blaise by providing him with much needed technology and personal assistance to resubmit his ERAP application. Because he couldn’t find his lease, our community services specialist contacted his landlord to obtain the necessary paperwork.
Shortly after, he was approved for the ERAP and received greatly needed and appreciated rental assistance. Blaise was so relieved to be able to stay in his apartment. The Desert Mission team is continuing to guide and reassure Blaise by connecting him with housing assistance agencies and helping him apply for low-income housing so he does not experience this crisis again.
HonorHealth Desert Mission is fueled by gifts from our community. Learn more about the unique programs and how Desert Mission wraps arms of care around each client to discover and help meet their needs. Join us at Morning of GOLD, a fundraising breakfast for Desert Mission on Tuesday, October 22nd.
Phoenix 10K presented by HonorHealth Foundation
The 49th annual Phoenix 10K has earned its reputation as the Valley’s most popular road race. And now, this long-standing event is sponsored by HonorHealth Foundation, in partnership with the Mollen Foundation.
This family event features races for all ages and abilities, including the half marathon, 10K, 5K and one-mile fun run for kids. But there’s a new twist this year: the race with start and end at Biltmore Fashion Park.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Mollen Foundation, committed to educating youth and families on how to transform their lives by adopting health habits for life. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit HonorHealth Military Partnership, which provides training at no charge to military personnel and first responders to maintain their medical certifications and stay on top of evolving treatment protocols. This improves care and saves lives on the battlefield and in our community!
Learn more or sign up for any of the Phoenix 10K races today!
Macy’s Presents Give Her Strength for the Fight Fashion Show
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! HonorHealth Foundation and Macy’s are working to give all women the strength to fight on their journey back to health with a special fashion show where proceeds return to HonorHealth Cancer Care!
You can help them fight, too. Buy a ticket to our “cancer catwalk,” in partnership with Scottsdale Fashion Square, and you’ll be donating to HonorHealth Cancer Care to support all patients navigating the breast cancer journey.
This fun and fashionable soiree will be held at Macy’s at Scottsdale Fashion Square on Saturday, October 5.
Learn more and get your fashion show tickets today!
Know your PAD risk!
Free webinar with HonorHealth vascular experts
Thursday, September 26, 2024
6 - 7 PM | via Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Did you know your risk for developing peripheral artery disease (PAD) increases if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure or a history of smoking?
PAD is a common cardiovascular condition affecting millions of Americans. It develops when the arteries that supply blood to your internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked due to plaque buildup.
Join our free virtual webinar and meet with a panel of board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons, who will cover topics including:
• Signs and symptoms
• Risk factors
• Latest technologies
• Commonly asked questions and concerns
Plus, learn about evidence-based treatments — many of which have been pioneered by HonorHealth — and have the opportunity to submit your questions for our experts to address during this live Zoom event.
Register today and reserve your spot for this free webinar!
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