Women’s affinity group invests in women’s and family health

1/4/2025

WISH (Women Investing in Science & Health), a premier organization of women leaders raising awareness and funds for Banner Health programs, recently allocated the funds they raised collectively in 2024 to three initiatives:

AI Patient Intelligence for Breast Cancer at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
Award: $90,000
Funding will support innovative AI Patient Intelligence—called AZRA AI— to detect breast cancer, working in conjunction with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center Patient Navigators. This program will improve early detection and result in better treatment options and outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Disclosing Alzheimer’s Gene and Biomarker Test Results at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
Award: $70,000
Funding will support the development of a generative AI system to support patients as they learn their genetic testing results related to their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The tool has the potential to serve as a trusted intermediary resource to answer questions in a personalized manner until meeting with their provider.

Data Management for Surgical Epilepsy Program
Award: $40,000
Funding will support the development of the first Epilepsy Clinic for Unhoused Patients in Arizona. Unhoused individuals with epilepsy are grossly underserved; medications and follow-up are often missed. Data collection on the efficacy of the program will be instructive to determine the impact on the patients and for other medical centers and Epilepsy programs.

Each year, WISH members pool their gifts and raise additional funds through special events and educational programming, then decide together how best to invest in Banner Health programs important to women and their families. Presentations by Banner leaders take place during the annual allocations event every December, which brings the past year’s fundraising, learning and awareness activities full circle.

“Our annual WISH allocations process is the most significant way members can collectively impact the health and wellness of women and their families throughout our communities,” says Alison Lewis, WISH Chairwoman. “I thank each member or our dynamic, growing organization for taking part in this collaborative process and casting their votes.”

Learn more about WISH and/or become a member here.