Banner Children’s Blood & Cancer Center opens to serve the East Valley
State-of-the-art center integrates pediatric hematology-oncology clinic and outpatient treatment center in one location
09/03/2024
Pictured left to right are: Dr. Anthony Ani, chief medical officer of Banner Desert Medical Center, Laura Robertson, CEO for Banner Desert Medical Center, Susan Anable, Phoenix market vice president for Phoenix for Cox Communications, Dr. Joseph Torkildson, pediatric hematology and oncology specialist, and Amy Perry, President and CEO of Banner Health.
A new Banner Children’s Blood & Cancer Center is now open at Banner Children’s at Desert in Mesa, providing comprehensive care for children and young adults up to age 19 with blood disorders or cancer.
The project became a reality thanks to a generous $5 million donation from the James M. Cox Foundation. This funding has enabled the establishment of a cutting-edge facility in the East Valley, equipped with advanced medical technology and a design focused on the specific needs of young patients. The state-of-the-art center integrates the previously separate pediatric hematology oncology clinic and outpatient pediatric treatment center in one location, enhancing the delivery of high-quality, coordinated care for some of Banner Health’s most complex pediatric patients.
Special guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in August included Amy Perry, President and CEO of Banner Health, Susan Anable, Phoenix market vice president for Phoenix for Cox Communications, Andy Petersen, president and CEO for the Banner Health Foundation, Laura Robertson, CEO for Banner Desert Medical Center, Dr. Anthony Ani, chief medical officer of Banner Desert Medical Center, and Dr. Joseph Torkildson, pediatric hematology and oncology specialist.
“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.”
“Philanthropic support from our generous partners allows Banner to improve facilities and enhance services that make life better for our patients and communities,” Andy Petersen explains. “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 features five exam rooms, four private infusion rooms, two infusion bays, and dedicated space for wrap-around services to support patients, their siblings, and parents. Services offered include psychosocial support and integrative therapies aimed at assisting families in navigating the intricate journey of 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, thanks to the Foundation's generosity, we are very proud to celebrate and share how we are providing a brighter future for even more Arizonans."
Banner Children’s, part of nonprofit Banner Health, cares for more kids than any other health system in Arizona. From well-child exams to treatment of minor injuries and illnesses to management of chronic conditions, the experienced team at Banner Children’s provides comprehensive, family-centered medical care for every child in Banner Health centers and clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals and outpatient facilities. Services include behavioral health, cancer care, diabetes and endocrinology, digestive care, emergency care, heart care, neurosciences, primary care, surgery and more. For more information about Banner Children’s services, physicians and locations, visit https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/pediatrics.
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises’ founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.
