A Growing Demand for Specialized Care
Allergic conditions are the most common chronic illness affecting children. In the United States, more than 27% of children have been diagnosed with at least one allergic condition, many of which can be life-threatening. A recent study found that between 2010 and 2016, the number of children at risk for severe allergic reaction increased by 104%.
Environmental and lifestyle factors such as reduced microbial exposure in childhood, pollution, diet and delayed allergen introduction all contribute to allergies and other immunological conditions. As these conditions become more common and complex, there has never been a greater need for expert, specialized care.
Leading the Way
Conditions like asthma, allergies and immune disorders touch every aspect of a child’s health and well-being. At Phoenix Children’s, families can depend on a multidisciplinary team of experts working together to provide seamless care. Our Division of Allergy and Immunology is a nationally recognized Center of Excellence, with four pioneering specialty clinics that offer advanced treatments for common and complex immune conditions, including one of the only pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis clinics.
But Phoenix Children’s doesn’t just follow the latest advancements in pediatric allergy and immunology—we lead them. Our specialists are continuously developing new therapies that transform pediatric allergy and immunology care.
As a national research hub, we can provide the most cutting-edge care for our patients, ensuring they have access to the most effective evidence-based treatments. For example, we will soon become the second FDA-approved center in the nation for thymus transplantation, a revolutionary treatment offering new hope for children with severe immune deficiencies.
All this is made possible because of philanthropic support from our generous community. Learn about priority funding needs in the Division of Allergy and Immunology and how you can make a difference for our patients and their families.
Meet Our Leader
Cindy Salm Bauer, MD, is the division chief and medical director of Allergy and Immunology and the co-director of the Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Clinic. Dr. Bauer founded Phoenix Children's Allergy and Immunology Clinic in 2013
Priority Funding Needs
Philanthropic support provides the resources to evaluate and improve clinical care, conduct and publish research, attract top talent, and educate the clinicians and researchers of the future.
Offering endowed chairs to proven physician leaders is essential to recruitment and retention. These coveted designations affirm their expert status, while Phoenix Children’s is assured a sustainable resource to continue our mission of providing hope and healing to the patients and families of Arizona and beyond. The investment would name the Endowed Chair, Allergy and Immunology, and provide the level of investment required to create a charitable endowment that will make an impact for generations to come.
Transformative research takes expert physician-scientists, equipment, laboratory space and the burning desire to do better for the children in our community. Research funds will support innovation, research and discovery to ensure children experience the best health possible and live to the fullest, focusing heavily on food allergy, asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis research. Support for research coordinator time is necessary for the team to maximize efforts in recruitment and retention of existing studies as well as grow in involvement in additional studies.
Phoenix Children's is home to the only primary immunodeficiency clinic in the Southwest that offers comprehensive, coordinated care for children with inborn errors of immunity. A program endowment will provide sustainable funds for patient care, research and continued growth.
The Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) program utilizes cutting-edge clinical technology and has a strong research foundation to ensure world-class care for children with EoE in the Southwest. The EoE endowment will provide a sustainable source of funding for research and patient care to further our understanding of children who experience EoE. The program’s research focus will continue to move the needle in EoE care.
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The award explicitly addresses a gap in supporting the next generation of clinical trainees in pediatric allergy and immunology. The award will be bestowed to a highly talented and qualified trainee to further foster subspecialty education and research experience. Additionally, it will help attract promising young individuals to the department and support the development of novel pediatric allergy/immunology treatments.
As Phoenix Children’s evolves this burgeoning destination program, the medical director will need the resources to build upon their vision of a destination for children to receive the best care for allergic and immunologic disorders. The Director’s Fund will provide the necessary capital for program development, innovation and discovery.
With conditions ranging from multiple severe food allergies to rare inborn errors of immunity, patients in the Allergy/Immunology Clinic also need support for their mental, emotional, social, nutritional and spiritual well-being. The fund will provide nutritional support, education, help with coping skills, support groups and a supportive community for patients while they are in our care.
Continuous investment in people with a passion for allergy and immunology patient care, education, research and leadership is critical. The fund will assist with staff education and training to ensure our medical professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to heal children.
- “We’ve established a network of very passionate families that want to make Phoenix Children’s the place in the Southwest for allergic and immunologic care. That sort of support is so essential.”Cindy Salm Bauer, MDDivision Chief and Medical Director, Allergy and Immunology
Stories of Hope and Healing
Your gift today will help us create a future where no child’s potential is limited by allergies or immune disorders.
