PHX Reporter

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Banner Health Foundation, in collaboration with Taylor Morrison, celebrated the opening of a new community of homes for cancer patients and their families in Gilbert, Arizona. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the beginning of moving patients into the newly built residences, which aim to alleviate the financial burden of travel and lodging for those undergoing treatment at Banner MD Anderson.

"Despite advancements in cancer technology, true healing occurs at home," stated Dr. Matthew Callister, senior physician executive for Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. "These homes provide comfort, safety and hope for vulnerable patients on their cancer journey, serving as a sanctuary away from their home communities. We are grateful to Taylor Morrison, its construction and design teams and community partners for making this patient housing community possible."

The initiative targets patients who face long-term treatments that require daily therapy or close post-surgical monitoring. For many, the cost of extended lodging can be prohibitive, potentially affecting their ability to receive necessary care. This need led to the creation of Banner MD Anderson's Home Away from Home program, which also covers local hotel stays for qualifying patients.

The eight new homes are designed based on Taylor Morrison’s build-to-rent brand Yardly. Each 1,000-square-foot residence includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, laundry facilities, a gathering room, and private backyards. There is additional space within the community reserved for future development based on patient demand.

"As a homebuilder, there’s no greater gift we could give than to build a community of homes that will eliminate undue stressors like hotel costs alongside rent or mortgage payments and allow patients to focus on their treatment," said Taylor Morrison Chairman and CEO Sheryl Palmer. "It was deeply important to us that what we were building was a true community—a place for patients to share experiences and support one another."

The Home Away from Home fundraising campaign began in 2019 with the goal of supporting cancer patients whose treatment requires prolonged stays near medical facilities. Contributions from individuals, families, businesses such as Thunderbirds Charities and foundations like the American Cancer Society have enabled the program to assist qualifying patients with various types of cancer.

Andy Petersen, President & CEO of the Banner Health Foundation remarked: "Today has been a dream in the making for several years and we are so thrilled to see it come to life. We are so grateful to Taylor Morrison and all of the subcontractors for their generosity and sincere compassion for our patients."

During today's grand opening event attended by local dignitaries and donors, two initial residents shared their experiences as they continue treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The event featured involvement from Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit who helped organize these new homes.

Established in 2001, the Banner Health Foundation supports patient care programs across Arizona and Wyoming through charitable gifts. Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care through its partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Taylor Morrison is recognized as one of America’s leading homebuilders while The Home Edit is known globally for its innovative approach to organization.