Phoenix Children’s Ambassadors
Thank you for an unforgettable evening. Ambassadors came together to direct meaningful support to Phoenix Children’s — and that decision will change what’s possible for our patients and families. Below is a closer look at the priorities that Phoenix Children’s identified this year as well as an honorable mention.
Programs You Voted On
Phoenix Children’s Simulation Center prepares physicians, nurses, and clinical teams to care for children through realistic, hands-on training in a safe learning environment — expanding from two simulation rooms to five and deepening partnerships with Arizona’s nursing and healthcare education programs. Presented by Amber Senetza, Simulation Center Manager
Child Life specialists help children and families cope with the emotional and developmental challenges of hospitalization through therapeutic play, procedural preparation, education, and family support — reducing fear and anxiety while creating a more positive healing environment during some of life’s most difficult moments. Presented by, Jenna Zayatz, Director, Child Life
Our Legacy Program
Phoenix Children’s Ambassadors Heart in Hand Award
Investments in physicians strengthens every part of the care they provide — from recognition and leadership to mentorship and career growth. This program will support physician initiatives like the Clinical Excellence Awards, honoring outstanding physicians across various categories, and physician education and retention. Together, these efforts create a culture where physicians feel supported, recognized, and equipped to lead — ultimately strengthening the care experience for every patient they touch. A $500,000 investment over five years has been committed to establish the Phoenix Children’s Heart in Hand Physician Advancement Program.
Unsung Causes
The Equipment Fund
No ribbon-cutting, no naming rights — just the vital equipment that touches patients’ lives daily. The Ambassador Board believes this quiet fund deserves attention too.
An investment in the Equipment Fund will provide innovative technology that enhances diagnosis, treatment, safety, and recovery for children across multiple specialties. These tools allow physicians to deliver more precise, efficient, and less invasive care while helping families avoid unnecessary delays, travel, and procedures.
FibroScan is a non-invasive liver assessment device that helps physicians diagnose and monitor pediatric liver disease earlier and more accurately. Phoenix Children’s would be the only pediatric hospital in Arizona to offer this advanced technology, improving care for children with increasingly common liver conditions.
Advanced biomechanical testing equipment will expand return-to-play assessments at Phoenix Children’s Avondale and Gilbert clinics, helping young athletes safely return to sports after injury. More than 2,850 patients are expected to benefit over the next three years.
This point-of-care ultrasound system will improve the diagnosis and treatment of children with arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and other rheumatic diseases. It will also allow physicians to perform image-guided procedures in clinics, reducing delays and improving the patient experience for the approximately 7,000 children seen annually by the division.
The Zimmer Cryo 6 Cooling System improves patient comfort and safety during laser dermatology procedures by reducing pain and protecting the skin from thermal injury. This technology helps create a better treatment experience for children undergoing advanced dermatologic care.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Motility Program is the only one in Arizona, offering comprehensive services for pediatric motility, multidisciplinary aerodigestive, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) programs. Allows expansion to East Valley for this testing. Families currently need to travel to Thomas Campus and experience long wait times. Additional funding allows us to expand to the East Valley. We went from 11 tests in 2022 to 250 studies last year.
What’s Happening Next
- Coffee Talk – November – Date and Location TBA
- Little Hands Big Hearts – December 5, 2026 – Phoenix Children’s Conference Center
- Invitation and additional details are forthcoming
- Ignite Hope – December 12, 2025 – North High School to Phoenix Children’s Thomas Campus
Ignite Hope is a candlelight walk with a pre-walk festival, activities and games before a heartfelt program celebrating and sending hope to patients in the hospital during the holidays.
Join your fellow Ambassadors and families to fan the flame of hope and healing. - Annual Lunch & Learn – April 28, 2027 – Silverleaf Country Club
A special thank you to the Gather for Good sponsors!
If you haven’t already done so, please join our Ambassadors What’s App group to stay up to date on all upcoming events and announcements. Join What’s App Here
