PHOENIX (April 21, 2026) – The Banner Health Foundation raised a record $1 million as nearly 300 golfers hit the links to play for a purpose—supporting the emotional, psychological, and social needs of Arizona kids facing injury, illness, disability, trauma or hospitalization.
The Banner Children’s Open supports the Child Life program, an essential part of our pediatric care team that empowers kids along their medical journey. Child Life Specialists are trained experts who provide age-appropriate psychosocial, emotional and educational support to ease stress, fear and anxiety for hospitalized children and their families. Using tools like therapeutic play, pre-operative teaching, and distraction and coping techniques, Child Life Specialists minimize trauma, provide guidance to parents, coordinate with the health care team, and even help kids transition back to their normal schedule and routines during recovery. Child Life Specialists also work in our adult-centered hospitals to help families with young kids deal with trauma, grief and loss.
Because these services are non-medical and not covered by insurance, charitable support sustains the Child Life program, ensuring every child cared for at Banner Children’s has the support and skills they need to thrive during and after their health care experience.
The sold-out Banner Children’s Open took place on April 10 on two courses at Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge, offering participants a terrific day of golf with unique challenge holes, fun contests, and a spirit of camaraderie. The tournament is hosted by the Banner Health Foundation and is led by a dedicated committee, co-chaired this year by Carrie Bailes of Buehler Engineering, Brittany Burbes of DPR Construction and Sarah Halverson of Mortenson—marking the first time three women have co-chaired the event.
Two Banner Children’s patients, Owen and Kaleb, served as tournament co-ambassadors this year and spent time on the course meeting golfers and supporters. Owen, 7, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt lymphoma in September 2024 and completed intensive inpatient chemotherapy at Banner Children's at Thunderbird in Glendale in February 2025. He exemplified positivity, resilience, and strength throughout treatment, enduring numerous procedures, high doses of chemotherapy, and countless hospital nights. Thanks to excellent care and comprehensive Child Life support for his entire family, Owen is now doing well and is back in school.
Kaleb, 11, was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2023 and is currently in the maintenance portion of his treatment at Banner Children's at Thunderbird. He was out of school for 1½ years and required weekly hospital visits for infusion chemotherapy through a port in his chest, but the Child Life team played a crucial role in helping him cope by keeping him distracted and supported through his fear and pain.
“The Banner Children’s Open is a popular golf tournament every year and one important way generous members of our community support the Child Life program,” said Christy Atler, vice president of development for the Banner Health Foundation. “We are so grateful to our sponsors, donors, co-chairs, tournament planning committee members, and volunteers who helped make this year’s tournament an unprecedented success. On behalf of all the kids who will benefit from this generous support, thank you.”
About Banner Health Foundation
Established in 2001, the Banner Health Foundation engages the community and stewards charitable contributions to advance Banner Health’s nonprofit mission of making health care easier so life can be better. Contributions are invested locally to support patient care programs and services operated by Banner’s many hospitals and health care facilities across Arizona. For more information, visit www.bannerhealthfoundation.org.
For further information contact us at: [email protected]
