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A night to remember: The Banner Ball returns in 2026
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of elegance and impact

The Banner Health Foundation is pleased to announce that The Banner Ball will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. This black-tie affair promises to be an extraordinary celebration of hope, healing and community—all in support of Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center locations in Arizona. Betsy Roudi and Jo Van Denburgh will serve as Co-Chairs while Derrick and Amy Hall will serve as Honorary Chairs. Three Banner MD Anderson oncologists will be honored that evening: Dr. Michael Choti, Dr. Brittany Murphy, and Dr. Jiaxin Niu, for their dedication to providing compassionate, expert care.

Leading an all-star Host Committee, Co-Chairs Betsy Roudi and Jo Van Denburgh both bring deeply personal connections to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Betsy, a breast cancer survivor and powerhouse leader in the Young Presidents Organization, discovered her cancer through early detection at age 44 and remains deeply grateful to Banner MD Anderson for the exceptional care she and her family continue to receive. Jo's commitment stems from her family's profound experiences with Banner, including her nephew's battle with cancer and her sister's current treatment for early-onset Alzheimer's at Banner Sun Health Research Institute.


Building a destination center for heart care
Dr. Paul Sorajja's groundbreaking procedure marks latest milestone in cardiovascular excellence

When Paul Sorajja, MD, performs a groundbreaking procedure, he's not just changing one patient's life—he's advancing the future of cardiovascular medicine. In February, Dr. Sorajja made history by performing the first implantation in the United States of Valcare's Amend ring for transcatheter mitral valve repair at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. This minimally invasive approach treats mitral regurgitation—a condition where the heart's mitral valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backward—without the need for open-heart surgery. 

"The Amend system represents a significant advancement for patients who may not be good candidates for traditional surgery," explains Dr. Sorajja, who serves as associate director of the Banner Heart Institute and is the Lentsch Family Endowed Director for the Advanced Structural Heart Center. "It's delivered through a catheter and enables repair on a beating heart, while preserving future treatment flexibility." 

Dr. Sorajja was recently named No. 1 on Becker's ASC Review's list of top five physicians to watch in cardiology—a testament to his pioneering work in transcatheter valve therapies and extensive research contributions. 


Banner Health Hero program gives patients a meaningful way to say thank you

Remember that nurse who provided exceptional care during your hospital stay? The physician who took time to truly listen? The care team member who stopped by a few extra times to check on you and ask if you needed anything? The Banner Health Hero program gives grateful patients and families a simple, meaningful way to recognize those who made a positive impact on their health care experience. The program has recently expanded from its Arizona roots to include patients and providers at more than 100 Banner facilities across six states.


Upcoming Activities & Announcements

Show your love for the Child Life program
 
The 2026 Banner Children’s Open is sold out, but you can still support the Child Life program at our three Banner Children’s medical centers in Arizona by making a tax-deductible donation.

Funded entirely by philanthropy, the Child Life program is led by a team of certified Child Life Specialists who create a positive experience for hospitalized children and their families. Every contribution makes a difference!
Save the date: WISH Lunch & Learn
 
The next WISH educational luncheon will feature guest speaker Lindsay Ackerman, MD, FAAD , board-certified dermatologist, discussing the health of our largest organ: our skin. $50 for WISH members and guests; $75 non-members.
 
📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026
⏰ 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
🗺️ Seasons 52 - 2502 E Camelback Rd., Phoenix

Evening of Gratitude unites Banner supporters
 
The Banner Health Foundation’s annual Evening of Gratitude spring donor receptions took place in Tucson on March 4 and in Phoenix on March 25.
 
Hundreds of our loyal donors came out to enjoy beautiful evening celebrations with inspiring programs featuring patients positively impacted by Banner Health’s care and services. 
 
These annual spring receptions are a chance to thank and celebrate our Banner Benefactors, individual donors who make reliable annual gifts, and Partners in Wellness, corporate and institutional donors who support Banner Health year after year. This ongoing support helps sustain a wide variety of Banner programs and services, many of which would not exist without charitable gifts. 
 
We are grateful to every donor who helps to advance our nonprofit mission. View photo galleries here: Tucson | Phoenix

Banner Health Foundation and Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation work closely with grateful patients, generous families, businesses, and community supporters to advance the nonprofit mission of Banner Health. Funds are invested locally in our hospitals and medical centers, patient care programs, family and community services, medical education, and research initiatives.

2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160  •  Phoenix, AZ 85012  •  602.747.4483
Banner Health Foundation © 2026 All rights reserved.

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2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160  bullet_dkblue.png  Phoenix, AZ 85012   bullet_dkblue.png  602.747.4483
Banner Health Foundation © 2026 All rights reserved.
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