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PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
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ACTION Inspiring Stories, Remarkable People
LETTER FROM STEVE Dear Friends: As some of you know, I have spent my entire career with Phoenix Children’s Hospital. In all of those years, I have never lost sight of why I’m here. I am still deeply touched by the stories that come out of this Hospital—of children, families, doctors and staff striving to beat the odds. I am moved every time I look into a parent’s eyes and see the pain and strength that they carry with them as they battle for their child’s life. The thing is, this is personal work for me. I was one of those parents. And I remember that even on the worst days, my battle was made less lonely—less frightening— by knowing that there was a community of support out there fighting with me. We parents are warriors, and so are the incredible people who support this hospital. Our donors come from every walk of life. They are business leaders and educators; year-round and seasonal residents; some are parents and others have no children of their own. Yet they all come together for the same reasons: to fight for every child who may one day need a ‘best-in-class’ hospital
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to come to the rescue; and to fight for every parent who may one day need to feel the strength of an entire community behind them. This issue of Hopes & Dreams is from the heart—not only as the Foundation’s Chief Development Officer, but also as a Phoenix Children’s parent. That’s because this issue is about you—our donors—and the movement that you have built to give our kids better facilities, better experiences and a better chance at life. It is my hope that by introducing you to a few of our champions, that you will see yourself in these stories, feel our gratitude for your support and maybe even discover a new way to further our movement. Sincerely,
S TE V E S CH N A LL
Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Hopes and Dreams is published by the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Christine and Valerie Spata. Read their story on page 14.
To share your comments or if you wish to unsubscribe, call (602) 933-2668 or email jbraner@phoenixchildrens.com. PHOENIX CHILDREN’S H O S P I TA L F O U N D AT I O N BOARD MEMBERS
Chairman Scott Rehorn RED Development Chairman-elect Kevin Czerwinski Merit Partners Immediate Past Chairman Larry Clemmensen Community Volunteer Vice Chair, Board Secretary Sheila Zuieback Halle Family Foundation Phoenix Children’s Hospital President and CEO Robert L. Meyer Phoenix Children’s Hospital Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Foundation Steven S. Schnall Michael Bill, MJ Insurance
F E AT U R E S
Scott Bindley, Screenwriter Taylor Burke, Rainy Partners Jeff King, Pete King Construction Mark Love, LKL Partners Jonathan Pinkus, Arizona Nutritional Supplements J. Paul Rhodes, Vestar
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MARGIE & PETE NEWMAN
Finding Their Cause in Phoenix
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CINDY TODARE
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My Calling Found Me
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CAROL & STEVEN SIMPSON
Coping with Tragedy by Giving Back
NANCY HANLEY
Creating a Lasting Legacy SHEILA ZUIEBACK
Bringing Energy to Phılanthropy
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VALERIE & BILL SPATA
Paying It Forward
Alexa Schneider, Kimbell Chris Stamets, Western Retail Advisors
D E PA R TM E N T S
Ryanne Tezanos, Mobile Mini
16 Take Action for Phoenix Children’s 18 Signature Events 20 Community Events
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The Newmans at the new Adaptive Playground, which features specialized equipment and a spongy rubber ground for easy wheelchair access. The playground gives the rehabilitation department a powerful tool for engaging children in new play therapies while giving them fresh air, sunshine and exercise.
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Margie & Pete Newman
Finding Their Cause in Phoenix The memory of her oldest son battling spina bifida as a boy is still fresh in Margie Newman’s mind. “I remember the struggles,” Margie says. “Going to the hospital was a depressing experience for him. He would go in with this sense of dread because there wasn’t a special place to make him smile… there wasn’t a special place for him to play.” The experience inspired Margie and her husband Pete to become active supporters of the children’s hospital in Colorado where their son had been treated years earlier. When the Newmans became “snowbirds” in 2011— wintering in Phoenix to escape the We learned about Colorado cold—they decided to connect all the cuttingwith their new community by reaching out to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. edge things they’re Things snowballed from there. doing at Phoenix “We learned about all the cuttingChildren’s. It just edge things they’re doing at Phoenix made my heart Children’s—everything they’re doing to give kids like ours a better experience,” warm. We wanted to says Margie. “It just made my heart be a part of that. warm. We wanted to be a part of that.” In addition to funding computer upgrades for the Child Life Zone, a state-of-the-art play area, and books for the Emily Center Family Health Library, the Newmans responded immediately when they learned that the current playground was being renovated into an Adaptive Playground that would be fully accessible to all children. The Newmans say that their involvement with Phoenix Children’s Hospital has not only helped them stay active with a cause dear to their hearts, it has also strengthened their connection with their second home. And they’re finding that many in their snowbird community are also eager to get involved. “We’re all in what we call the ‘sweet spot’ of our lives—we’re still healthy, financially stable, and eager to give back... and we realize that we can truly make a difference.”
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Cindy Todare
My Calling Found Me
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Cindy Todare always knew she wanted to work with children. She majored in early childhood education at Arizona State University and over the course of her career, worked in special education, provided child care and even ran a preschool in Scottsdale. For Cindy, becoming a member of WINGS, the women’s board at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, felt like an opportunity to pursue these interests in her retirement. Since joining WINGS in 2017, Cindy has delivered gifts to patient rooms, helped out with the trivia program, and decorated wreaths for the board’s holiday fundraiser. The “easy things” she says. But even with so many ways to be Cindy learned that involved, Cindy still felt that she hadn’t found her purpose at Phoenix Children’s. a patient waiting to Then one day her purpose found her. undergo a transplant Through her involvement in the needed something women’s board, Cindy learned that a more: a cutting-edge patient waiting to undergo a bone marrow virtual classroom. transplant needed something more: a cutting-edge virtual classroom webcam Realizing this was a system—a robot—that would allow him to chance to pursue her attend school remotely and see and hear passion for learning, what happens in the classroom. Realizing she decided to this was a chance to pursue her passion for learning, Cindy decided to take action. take action. Cindy’s contribution not only helped a patient continue his education, it allowed the Hospital to pilot a cutting-edge approach to patient care. It also helped Cindy find her niche as a donor. She says that the experience of visiting the classroom and seeing her gift in action was deeply moving. “I don’t even know how to describe it,” says Cindy. “It’s just this simple little robot, like an iPad, but it keeps him connected and helps him feel like he is a part of his class even though he isn’t physically there. It’s really the coolest thing.” Cindy and her husband Steve plan to continue to support the program and help Phoenix Children’s place similar technology in classrooms around the valley.
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Carol & Steven Simpson
Coping with Tragedy by Giving Back
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Carol and Steven Simpson lost their daughter after only having her in their lives for a year. Isabella “Izzy” Rose was diagnosed with a rare liver disease when she was only two months old. The treatment seemed to be working until just after her first birthday, when she contracted valley fever and suffered a stroke. In March 2016, after 40 days in the hospital, Izzy’s life ended at Phoenix Children’s with her parents at her bedside. Carol and Steven were devastated. They had fought an excruciating battle for their daughter’s life and now they would never hear her laugh or hold her close again. The pain and sadness were unimaginable. But even in the days after Izzy’s death, the couple also felt profound gratitude for the You never want remarkable men and women who had fought so hard to save their daughter’s life; and deep your kids to have compassion for the children and families going to go to the hospital, through the same experience. They decided but if they do, you that the best way to honor Izzy’s memory was to want them to be channel those emotions into action. at a place where “That’s how it started,” Steven reflects. “We wanted to help other families with chronically they are treated sick kids. We didn’t want other parents to feel like family. the way we felt. That was the driving force.” The couple became active members of the Hospital’s community, volunteering their time and experience to a range of fundraising efforts such as the Emerging Leaders giving group and patient activities like bingo in the Child Life Zone. In August, during the final hours of the annual radio Arizona Sports and KTAR Give-A-Thon, Steven told Izzy’s story and made an impassioned on-air appeal to listeners to fund research, new clinical programs and family-friendly services at Phoenix Children’s. His words had a tremendous impact. Listeners from around the valley immediately began dialing in and pledging their support. “You never want your kids to have to go to the hospital, but if they do, you want them to be at a place where they are treated like family,” says Steven. “That’s how we feel about this Hospital. And our daughter’s death opened our eyes to how much we actually have to give. We feel blessed that we’re able to do this.”
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Carol and Steven with a portrait of Izzy and their “rainbow baby” Steven II, born in April 2017.
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Nancy Hanley
Creating a Lasting Legacy
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During 48 years of marriage, Nancy and Lee Hanley were known as pillars of the Phoenix philanthropic, business and faith communities. After Lee passed away in 2012, Nancy was committed to continuing the spirit of giving that had always been so important to them. When Nancy learned that Phoenix Children’s Hospital Pastoral Program needed support that included a major chapel renovation and funds to pay for an additional chaplain’s salary, she knew she wanted to provide that support. Nancy also knew Lee would have wholeheartedly agreed with the decision. With Nancy’s support, the chapel was taken down to its studs and completely renovated, with new wall coverings, carpeting, alter design, lighting and a beautiful stained glass wall installation. An etching by the door reads “Chapel Renovation in Celebration of Lee T. I feel very strongly Hanley”, and another etching in the that Phoenix Children’s chapel quotes a passage from Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all who are weary Hospital should always and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” have a chaplain and provide Nancy also funded an endowment a comforting, peaceful and that will support the chaplain position prayerful chapel where in perpetuity and ensure that Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients and those who enter can pray, families will always have access to reflect and meditate. spiritual support. “I feel very strongly that Phoenix Children’s Hospital should always have a chaplain and provide a comforting, peaceful and prayerful chapel where those who enter can pray, reflect and meditate,” says Nancy. Nancy’s decision to invest in the Pastoral Program was inspired by the faith she shared with Lee, and she feels she was honoring the Lord with this gift. “Our faith gives our family such comfort and meaning and I know Lee would have wanted this legacy of faith to be available to families at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.”
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Nancy at the newly renovated Phoenix Children’s Hospital interfaith chapel. The chaplains minister to people of all faiths by providing spiritual care and support to the patients, their families and the health care team. The chapel is always open for prayer and meditation.
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Sheila Zuieback
Bringing Energy to Philanthropy
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Sheila Zuieback’s passion for health care began when she was just a little girl. Her father was a physician, and she has fond memories of accompanying him on house calls in their Midwestern community. She says her love of hospitals began with her dad. In the early 2000s, when Sheila and her husband moved to Phoenix with their young children, she was immediately drawn to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital mission. “They had this vision and they were dreaming big!” she says. In the years since, Sheila has harnessed her incredible passion, persistence and positivity to become one of the Hospital’s most prolific and dynamic supporters. Her dedication has helped Phoenix Children’s grow in so many ways. “I have a lot of energy,” she says with a laugh. “And it does take a lot of energy and a lot of people... But together there is no stopping us!” As a Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Board Member, Sheila is known for her ability to marshal the resources—both personally and within the community—to make just about anything happen. In Phoenix, I’ve An avid supporter of the Phoenix been able to focus Children’s Barrow Neurological Institute, my energy and Sheila has contributed to expanding translational research in neuro trauma and passion and make funding an endowment for the Chair of a difference. Pediatric Neurosciences. When she’s not driving best-in-class science and care at Phoenix Children’s, Sheila is cultivating the next generation of philanthropists through her involvement in the Teen Board —a giving group that offers teens the opportunity to advocate, create community awareness and fundraise for the Hospital. Daughter Sydney has served as the Board President, and son Brendan hopes to follow in his sister’s footsteps. “I always think to myself if we had stayed in Chicago, I would not have had the same opportunity to get involved, to have a seat at the table,” Sheila says. “In Phoenix, I’ve been able to focus my energy and passion and make a difference.”
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Valerie & Bill Spata
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Fifteen years ago, Valerie’s baby daughter Christine was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and began treatment at another hospital. When Christine’s condition worsened, a family friend encouraged Valerie to transfer her to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Christine’s new doctors discovered that she had been misdiagnosed. She was actually cancer free and suffering from a treatable autoimmune disorder. “It was the most horrible experience,” Valerie says, choking back tears. “But when Phoenix Children’s stepped in, it was like life started again.” With Christine healthy, Valerie decided it was time to find a way to give back to the hospital that had given them so much. She began staging “fun
The Spatas (from left: Bill, Billy, Valerie, Christine and Nevaeh).
Kindness and run” events and scavenger hunts to raise Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders that money for Phoenix Children’s. will bring even greater hope to children facing philanthropy When Valerie and Bill got married a frightening diagnoses. are contagious. few years later, they had an idea. What if Now 18, Christine has also caught the Sometimes it’s they combined his business expertise and family’s giving bug. Before leaving for college, the smallest Valerie’s passion for raising funds for the she started a sock drive for the Family Care gestures that Hospital and built a business? And just like Cart, which provides families spending extended that, CoolEvents was born. create the biggest periods of time in the hospital with essential and CoolEvents puts on family-friendly comfort items. impact. experiences—such as glow runs and “Giving back feels like Christmas all the blacklight slides—that are dedicated to time,” says Valerie. “We love doing it. Kindness childhood cancer awareness and provide valuable fundraising and philanthropy are contagious. Sometimes it’s the smallest opportunities for Phoenix Children’s. The Spatas also recently gestures that create the biggest impact. We’re just fortunate made a significant gift to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital that our small gesture turned into something big.” SPRING 2018 HOPES & DREAMS
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TA KE AC TIO N FO R PHO E NIX CHILDRE N ’ S There are so many ways to take action on behalf of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, from attending a fabulous event, to joining a giving group or finding an inspiring hospital program to support. These donor stories illustrate a few of the many ways that you can get involved, contribute to a meaningful cause and make a real impact on a child’s life.
MARGIE & PETE NEWMAN
Support familycentered care Families are deeply impacted by the hospitalization of a child, often spending more time at Phoenix Children’s than at home for weeks or even months. Like Margie and Pete Newman, many of our donors choose to support programs that make it possible for Phoenix Children’s Hospital to offer essential family-centered services that bring comfort and healing to the entire family.
VALERIE & BILL SPATA
Start your own fundraiser or attend an event Every month, Phoenix Children’s Hospital hosts events to benefit our patients (see pages 18-19 for more on past and upcoming events). Many of our amazing supporters also host their own events and fundraisers, with proceeds benefiting various hospital programs. Since Valerie and Bill Spata formed CoolEvents, they have used their business to provide valuable fundraising opportunities for the Hospital and draw thousands of new champions to the Phoenix Children’s cause.
NANCY HANLEY
Fund an endowment Endowments allow us to bring world-class physicians, researchers and other programs to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and create life-long funding sources for essential areas of work. By endowing the chaplain position at Phoenix Children’s, Nancy Hanley made an enduring gift for patients and their families.
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JOIN A GIVING GROUP Are you an emerging business or community leader? Giving groups such as WINGS, Leaderships Circle, Emerging Leaders and the Teen Board are among the ways to get involved with teams of likeminded people to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
CINDY TODARE
WINGS When In Need Grandmas Serve—or WINGS—is the women’s board for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. WINGS members are committed to helping the Hospital provide world-class care to its young and vulnerable population. For Cindy Todare, joining WINGS served as a powerful entry point to her involvement at the Hospital.
CAROL & STEVEN SIMPSON
Emerging Leaders Emerging Leaders is a group of young professionals who are dedicated to advancing the Phoenix Children’s Hospital mission through community engagement and philanthropy. In just five years, Emerging Leaders has generated more than 120 volunteer opportunities and raised more than $250,000. As a Board Member and the current Marketing Director of Emerging Leaders, Steven Simpson has contributed his professional expertise to mobilizing support for the Hospital.
SHEILA ZUIEBACK
Leadership Circle Founded in 2004, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Leadership Circle is a committed and compassionate group of community leaders who care deeply about ill and injured children and act together on that shared passion. Members’ annual gifts are pooled and used to fund programs that support the delivery of world-class care at Phoenix Children’s. Among her many ways of being involved, Sheila Zuieback has been an active member of Leadership Circle since its early years.
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S I G N AT U R E E V E N T S EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATES MAKES AN IMPACT
Golf Tournament On November 17th, the 19th Annual Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament brought together local leaders to enjoy a day on the course and fundraise for the patients at Phoenix Children’s. More than 270 golfers kicked off the event at the Evening BeFORE party and on tournament day were treated to breakfast, tee prizes and a 19th hole celebration. The $410,000 raised will help the hospital launch critical new programs, purchase essential equipment, conduct cutting-edge research, provide charitable care and much more.
Ignite Hope More than 2,000 people lit up Phoenix Children’s Hospital during the December 9th Ignite Hope candlelight walk. Walkers held battery-lit candles and were greeted by patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, who peered down from their rooms while holding candles of their own. The inspirational program featured carolers, live entertainment, “thank yous” from patients and a tree-lighting ceremony. The event raised $410,000 for Phoenix Children’s—a record for Ignite Hope.
COMING SOON
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! You can make an impact at these 2018 events.
APRIL
APRIL
MAY
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15-16
ABC15 Telethon
Día Del Niño
PCHHeroes.com
PCHDiaDelNino.com
Telemundo Telethon
Arizona Sports and KTAR Give-A-Thon
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UnidosParaPCH.com
AUGUST
GiveAThonforPCH.com
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Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation signature events represent an opportunity to participate in fun, inspiring and unique experiences with our vast community of supporters. The proceeds of every event are used to provide hope, healing and the best health care for children and their families.
Beach Ball In March, guests had a ball for a great cause at the Havana-themed 25th Annual Beach Ball, which featured a cocktail reception, live entertainment, a Cuban-style feast and auction. The event raised more than $1.3 million with all proceeds benefiting the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Phoenix Children’s, which provides the highest level of care to the most critically ill babies.
Dine with Your Dog The 11th annual Phoenix Children’s Hospital Dine With Your Dog event was held on February 11th at Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix. Dog lovers were treated to a champagne brunch, while their dog companions enjoyed a dog-friendly gourmet meal and pet play areas. The event raised $55,000 to support the Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Phoenix Children’s, which helps motivate, soothe and lift the spirits of patients, many of whom are fighting for their lives.
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Time to Shine Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Phoenix Children’s Hospital 5K
Downright Beautiful Fashion Show
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament
PCHIgniteHope.com
dsfashionshow.com
PCHGolf.com
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PCHTimetoShine.com
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PCH5K.com
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Ignite Hope
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Bob’s Biker Blast More than 10,000 bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers gathered for the 6th Annual Bob’s Biker Blast in November, raising $500,000 for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Hope Fund.
COMMUNIT Y E VENTS REMARKABLE PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Whether hosting entertaining events, or joining the cause as participants, Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s community of supporters help us raise the funds we need to provide ‘best-in-class’ care to our young patients.
Off the Record PCH50, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Men’s Group, hosted its first major event in November — a concert featuring gourmet food, drinks and music that raised more than $80,000 for the Hospital.
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Children’s Fight For Life In September, the 12th Annual Children’s Fight For Life event featured a reception, silent auction, dinner and entertainment. The event raised nearly $50,000 for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Concours in the Hills Concours in the Hills, Scuderia Southwest’s largest high performance, exotic and collector car event, raised more than $115,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital during its February show.
A Breathtaking Holiday Event In November, the WINGS Women’s Board hosted A Breathtaking Holiday Event, where donations and proceeds from the purchase of unique holiday wreaths, ornaments and tree tags helped raise nearly $50,000 for crucial hospital programs.
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TA KE AC TIO N for P H O E N I X CHILDREN’S HOS PITA L GIVE TODAY Become a champion for children by donating today at GiveToPCH.org Remember to check out the ABC15 Telethon on April 10th. For more information, visit PCHHeroes.com
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Phoenix Children’s Hospital Main Campus 1919 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 933-1000 (888) 908-KIDS (5437) www.phoenixchildrens.org
Pediatric Inpatient Unit – Mercy Gilbert 3555 S. Val Vista Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85296 (602) 933-4900
Specialty and Urgent Care Center – Scottsdale 6990 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (602)-933-0004
Specialty and Urgent Care Center – Southwest Valley 1665 N. Avondale Blvd. Avondale, AZ 85392 (602)-933-0005
Specialty and Urgent Care Center – East Valley
Specialty Care – Mercy Gilbert Center
Specialty and Urgent Care Center – Northwest Valley
Specialty Care – Yuma Center
5131 E. Southern Ave. Mesa, AZ 85206 (602)-933-0002
20325 N. 51st Ave., Ste. 116 Glendale, AZ 85308 (602)-933-0003
3420 S. Mercy Rd., Ste. 121 Gilbert, AZ 85297 (602) 933-3366 (Cardio) (602) 933-6262 (Neuro) 1501 W. 24th St., Ste. 203 Yuma, AZ 85364 (855) 372-0664