PHX Reporter

MESA, Ariz. (August 26, 2024) - Banner Health has announced the grand opening of the new Banner Children’s Blood & Cancer Center at Banner Children’s at Desert in Mesa. The center aims to provide comprehensive care for children and young adults up to 19 years old with blood disorders or cancer.

Special guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 23 included Amy Perry, President and CEO of Banner Health; Susan Anable, Market Vice President for Phoenix at Cox Communications; Andy Petersen, President and CEO of the Banner Health Foundation; Laura Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Banner Desert Medical Center; Dr. Anthony Ani, Chief Medical Officer of Banner Desert Medical Center; and Dr. Joseph Torkildson, a pediatric hematology and oncology specialist at Banner Desert Medical Center.

“The opening of this center represents a major milestone in our mission to provide exceptional pediatric care,” said Amy Perry. “We are grateful for the generous support of the James M. Cox Foundation, who have accelerated our ability to provide integrated, compassionate care in a setting designed specifically for the needs of our young patients and their families.”

The project was made possible by a $5 million donation from the James M. Cox Foundation. This funding facilitated the creation of a facility equipped with advanced medical technology and tailored to meet the specific needs of young patients. The center consolidates the previously separate pediatric hematology oncology clinic and outpatient pediatric treatment center into one location.

“Philanthropic support from our generous partners allows Banner to improve facilities and enhance services that make life better for our patients and communities,” said Andy Petersen. “We are so grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for this generous gift that offers ease, greater convenience, and comfort to kids, teens and their families during a difficult time.”

The center includes five exam rooms, four private infusion rooms, two infusion bays, and dedicated space for wrap-around services such as psychosocial support and integrative therapies aimed at assisting families through cancer treatment.

"We are deeply grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for this transformative gift,” said Susan Anable. “Cox believes in giving back, in being a good neighbor, and today we are very proud to celebrate how we are providing a brighter future for even more Arizonans."

Banner Children’s is part of nonprofit Banner Health which cares for more children than any other health system in Arizona. The organization provides comprehensive medical care including behavioral health, cancer care, diabetes management, emergency care among other services across various facilities.

The James M. Cox Foundation supports capital campaigns and special projects in communities where Cox Enterprises operates. Named after Ohio's first three-term governor James M. Cox who was also the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.