Only 2 days left until the Banner Children’s Open! Join us in recognizing our supporters and extending a special thank you to our VIP Experience, ACE and Eagle Sponsors. Check out the sponsors and underwriters who are also supporting the tournament. Their support will help thousands of children in Arizona through the Child Life program at Banner Children’s at Desert, Banner Children’s at Thunderbird, Diamond Children’s Medical Center, and Banner Ironwood Medical Center. The tournament is sold out, but you can still support the Child Life program at Banner Children’s by making a tax-deductible donation at http://give.bannerhealth.com/golfdonation #BannerOpen (fb)

Meet this year’s Ambassador, Heckle Hole Hecklers and our incredible patients for the Banner Children’s Open on April 11. Mateo, Charlotte and Owen will represent thousands of pediatric patients served by Banner Children’s medical centers in Arizona. The tournament is sold out, but you can still support the Child Life program at Banner Children’s by making a tax-deductible donation at http://give.bannerhealth.com/golfdonation #BannerOpen Mateo, 17, a junior at Deer Valley High School in Glendale, is serving as this year’s Ambassador. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and is currently being treated at Banner Children’s at Thunderbird. Currently, he is two months into the maintenance phase of his treatment protocol. He will complete treatment on May 26, 2026, which is a few days after he graduates from high school. If you see Mateo and his father, Jason, on the links on April 11, reach out and say “hello” to this dynamic duo who are grateful to be outside, in the Arizona sun, playing golf together and not taking anything about this day for granted. Charlotte, 7, or “Rock Char,” as she is often called, was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January 2022. Charlotte received chemotherapy and care at Banner Children’s at Thunderbird and officially completed treatment in May 2024. She amazed all Banner staff during her treatment as she underwent countless procedures, spent long days at the outpatient clinic, and required unexpected, prolonged hospital stays. “She is truly sunshine and we all expect greatness from her in the future,” says Child Life Specialist Gabriela Alcantar. Owen, 6, was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in September 2024. He completed his treatment at Banner Children’s at Thunderbird in February 2025. He got numerous pokes, received high doses of chemotherapy, and spent countless nights in the hospital away from his older brother. However, he was determined to get better and never gave up. “He and his family were an absolute joy to care for,” says Child Life Specialist Gabriela Alcantar. “We are beyond excited to watch Owen grow and thrive in this world.” (fb)