President's Message

From Alison Lewis

Alison Lewis, BOARD CHAIR

Dear WISH Members,

As many of you know, WISH began as WISP (Women Inspiring Scientific Progress) in 2014 with a sole focus on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. While we decided a few years ago to expand our charter to include other areas of health and wellness relevant to women and their families, we have maintained our dedication to Alzheimer’s disease. In June, Banner’s own Dr. Eric Reiman, executive director at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, and his critical work in research, were featured in major publications, including the New England Journal of Medicine, USA Today and The Washington Post, related to a rare genetic trait that could delay the onset of Alzheimer's in people who face a significant risk (see article below). I could not have been more proud to read this news and realize that, as WISH members, we have played a part in this step forward with our philanthropic support.

Because we have ventured into all types of health care that affect women and their families, it is exciting to imagine the impact WISH will have in the future.

I feel fortunate to have guest speakers at our Lunch and Learn sessions and participants in our events, such as the upcoming Breathe, Balance and Brunch: Women's Wellness Retreat 2024, who are world-class experts in their fields. I am so grateful they are accessible to us.

If there is a topic that greatly interests you, or a Banner Health physician or other medical professional whose work you admire or would like to learn more about, I welcome those ideas for WISH activities and programs. At any time throughout the year, reach out to me or other Board members. WISH is a collaborative organization with successful, diverse and talented women within our membership. Let’s use that to our full potential throughout 2024 and beyond.

Thank you all for your continued involvement, enthusiasm and dedication to WISH.

Sincerely,
Alison Lewis

Alison is a philanthropist, focused on education and the arts. She is also involved with nonprofit organizations that are innovative and serve a diverse audience with an emphasis on the underserved. Additionally, she manages two family foundations, is the Past Board Chair for Scottsdale Arts, the Vice Chair for Tonto Creek Camp, an outdoor STEM camp, Vice-Chair for the C4 Foundation which supports active Navy SEALS and their families, and a board member of the Banner Health Foundation.

Meet WISH Member, Jessica Quinn

Jessica Quinn is Vice President and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for Banner Health. With her two children in college, she recently moved with her husband and mother to Arizona from Dallas for this new opportunity. Jessica has spent almost 30 years in health law and compliance and was introduced to Banner through her work with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She is passionate about being involved with an organization that is mission driven and believes that the leadership of Banner Health is exceptional.

How did you get introduced to WISH?
I learned about WISH when I started my job and was drawn to being involved because of the intersection of research and innovation through direct access to the physician leaders. I promptly engaged Dr. Janna Assar, a WISH board member, as my concierge physician.

What made you join WISH?
My work for Banner is on the corporate side so the WISH events give me an opportunity to hear and learn about the newest research and interact with the clinical physicians directly. The combination of science, health and wellness is powerful.

Are there particular benefits to other Banner team members joining WISH?
There are three reasons: 1) WISH is an excellent way for Banner’s corporate team to stay connected to the physicians and clinical research; 2) The personal benefits of learning about wellness and new innovations that interest me; and 3) It’s a great way to stay connected to the important work I’m supporting through my donations. I love to see the impact of where my donations are going and I’m looking forward to the allocation experience in December.

Welcome Jessica, we are so glad you are a part of WISH!

Alzheimer's Gene Unlocks Potential Key to Delaying Disease

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Dr. Eric Reiman
co-authored groundbreaking study

 

Researchers have discovered a rare genetic trait that could delay the onset of Alzheimer's in people who face an overwhelming risk of developing the mind-robbing disease.

Eric Reiman, MD, executive director at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, co-authored the study of more than 1,000 members of an extended family in Colombia carrying a genetic mutation that puts them at near certain risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Published last week in The New England Journal of Medicine, the study reported that 27 people from this extended Colombian family who carried a genetic variant called Christchurch developed Alzheimer's disease several years later than expected. The findings build on early research in 2019 from a unique family predisposed to pass on the disease. The researchers found that a woman who had the same genetic trait delayed the onset of Alzheimer's by about three decades.

Scientists from Mass General Brigham believe the evidence could be used to develop an Alzheimer's drug or medication that replicates the protective effects of the Christchurch genetic variant.

To read the full article in USA Today, click here.

The New England Journal of Medicine research study can be found here.

The BIG Pink Bus is on a Roll

Banner MD Anderson’s 3D mobile mammography unit unveiled to the public

In May, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center celebrated the unveiling of The BIG Pink Bus, a mobile mammography unit hitting Valley streets that will offer 3D mammogram screenings to thousands, particularly those in outlying areas. Even though mammograms remain the only screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths through early detection, 32% of women with health insurance and 69% of those without health insurance do not get annual mammograms. Inconvenience is a frequent barrier, as women often cite personal and professional obligations, the long distance to an imaging site, or lack of transportation as reasons they might skip this important screening.

Funded by generous donors to the Banner Health Foundation, including the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, Bashas’ Family of Stores, Copper State Bolt & Nut Co., and the Board of Visitors Care Card program, The BIG Pink Bus will offer the same 3D mammography technology available at Banner MD Anderson’s brick-and-mortar facilities. The 3D mammogram images – the gold standard in early breast cancer detection – will be interpreted by Banner MD Anderson’s team of specialist breast imaging radiologists. Additionally, patients will have ready access to Banner MD Anderson’s comprehensive breast cancer program if further testing or treatment are needed.

“Whether it’s a lack of transportation holding women back from regular screenings, or professional or family obligations that make it difficult to make time for an appointment, The BIG Pink Bus makes it easier to overcome those obstacles,” said Andy Petersen, president and CEO of the Banner Health Foundation. “We are thrilled for this initiative to take off across the Valley! This type of convenient access for all will save lives through early breast cancer detection.”

The BIG Pink Bus is expected to run 200 days per year, bringing 3D mammography screenings to 4,000+ women annually. The bus will be at several special events in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the coming weeks.

“Scheduling a yearly mammogram screening is one of the easiest and most effective tools for treating breast cancer,” said Vilert Loving, MD, chief of breast imaging and co-director of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program at Banner MD Anderson. “The mobile mammography unit will bring Banner MD Anderson’s comprehensive breast program and its breast cancer experts right to people’s doorstep. We are so proud to make health care easier for the Phoenix metropolitan population.”

The BIG Pink Bus will make a special appearance at the WISH Wellness Retreat (see story below) on November 17, 2024, for members and event attendees to tour.

To request more information or to schedule an event with The BIG Pink Bus, please fill out this form.

In Case You Missed It: “Elevate Your Heart IQ: Breakthroughs in Cardio Care”

 

Thank you to those who joined us at our May Lunch and Learn program – Elevate Your Heart IQ: Breakthroughs in Cardio Care – featuring Roderick Tung, MD, Director, Cardiovascular Center at Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix. We hope you found the program informative, the company engaging, and the food delightful. For those who might have missed it, you can view Dr. Tung's presentation by clicking here.

Each WISH program is part of a series that raises awareness of women's and family health issues through education and philanthropic support. Since creating WISH in 2014, women like you from across the Valley, with diverse backgrounds and interests, have joined us to learn, network, and support important health care initiatives in partnership with Banner Health. Together, we have raised and awarded over $1.4 million to benefit a multitude of Banner programs important to women and their families.

Breathe, Balance and Brunch: Women's Wellness Retreat 2024

Take your self-care routine to a new level at the 3rd annual Women’s Wellness Retreat, presented by WISH. Treat your body and mind to curated experiences designed to promote health and well-being, personal growth, mindfulness, and intentional living. There will also be presentations on skin cancer prevention, sports medicine for active lifestyles, women’s sexual health, and more!

Invite your friends to join in on the fun!

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale
• Attire: Athletic leisure
• Tickets: give.bannerhealth.com/retreat(early bird discount through Aug. 1: $125 for WISH members and $175 for non-members. After Aug. 1, ticket prices increase to $150 for members and $200 for non-members)
• Sponsorships are available, click here to view.

Proceeds benefit WISH. Purchase your tickets here.

Get Your Gala On: Pulse of the City Soiree is Oct. 5

 

The 9th Annual Pulse of the City Soiree is set for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Montelucia. Proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer care and research at Banner Children’s medical centers in Arizona. This year’s theme, “The Heart of the Garden,” will celebrate Banner Children’s dedication to helping children battling cancer – often the most fragile seeds in the garden of life – to grow up healthy and strong. Contact Christine Stoffle, special events manager, to secure your table, sponsorship, or underwriting package today.

Click here to learn more.