May 2025
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As we celebrate both Nurses Week and Mother's Day this month, we are reminded of the remarkable strength, compassion and resilience that caregivers bring to our lives. Whether it's the nurturing hand of a mother or the skilled touch of a nurse, these roles share a deep-rooted mission: to heal, to comfort and to guide. This season offers us the opportunity to honor those who care selflessly, often in the background, ensuring that others thrive. In today’s healthcare environment, where challenges are many and the pace is unrelenting, the spirit of caregiving remains a constant force of hope and excellence. Our nurses are on the front lines every day — advocating for patients, adapting to innovation and bringing heart to science. Much like mothers, and caregivers of all kinds, who shape lives with patience and resolve, nurses shape outcomes through their dedication, skill and empathy. And just as essential are our fundraisers and donors — caregivers in their own right — who lift up our entire community by ensuring the resources are here when they’re needed most. What we accomplish together is both an art and a calling. Your generous support empowers these caregivers to do what they do best: transform lives. Through your partnership, we’re investing in training, technology and wellness programs that ensure our nurses — and all who serve — can meet the needs of patients today while preparing for the future. On behalf of our entire organization, thank you for joining us in honoring these quiet heroes. With gratitude, |
Dear friends,
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“Nurse mom:” From bedsides to bedtimes — Q&A Compassionate. Caring. Attentive. Patient. Resilient. All are words often used to describe the best nurses and — not surprisingly — the best moms. With Nurses Day (May 6) and Mother’s Day (May 11) falling so close together, we caught up with three outstanding HonorHealth nurses, who also happen to be outstanding mothers: Donna Tew, MSHS, BSN, RN, NE-BC, RN-BC, SkillBridge specialist with HonorHealth’s Military Partnership program and mother of twin daughters; Loralee Langkilde, RN in Couplet Care at HonorHealth Shea Medical Center and mother of six; and Vicki Aime, RN in Cancer Care at HonorHealth Shea Medical Center and mother of two.
Loralee: As a couplet care nurse, I work with new moms and dads and help them learn how to take care of their newborn baby. I have six kids, and I remember what it is like to be a new parent! My own mothering experiences help me be empathetic and patient. I try really hard to give parents a safe space to ask questions...because being a new mom is a big learning curve! Vicki: Motherhood and nursing have a symbiotic relationship. They both teach you to be nurturing, compassionate, patient and resilient.
I think my profession of taking care of others in the worst times of their lives instilled in my daughters the gift of service before self, that showing kindness, care and concern for others should always be a priority. My daughter Elizabeth has also found her passion for caring for others and is a nurse at HonorHealth Thompson Peak. Vicki: My girls have both grown up hearing stories of the many patients that I have had the privilege of taking care of over the past 30 years. My youngest daughter has chosen to follow in my footsteps and has become a nurse as well. She wanted to be able to make a difference in other people’s lives.
Loralee: The most important lesson I learned from my mother is to be grateful and look for the good in life. Life is a lot happier that way. Vicki: My mother has always put other people’s needs above her own. She has taught me to live my life in the same way whenever possible.
Vicki: I keep very busy working full time as an oncology nurse and part time as a hospice nurse and take very little time off for myself. My daughters try to teach me to relax and just be still. I am not very good at this, but since being diagnosed with cancer, I have been making this a priority… well, kind of.
Loralee: Years ago, we had blackberry and raspberry bushes in the backyard. One year, without me knowing, the kids saved a bag full of berries in the freezer, so that we could make my favorite razzleberry pie for Mother's Day. They must have been picking berries for months in order to get enough berries for that pie! Vicki: One of my favorite gifts is a crochet flower bouquet that my daughter gave me a few years ago. She knows all too well that I cannot keep plants or flowers alive since I always forget to water them!
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Donna: If you were to ask my daughters this question they would probably respond, “If you aren’t bleeding to death or have a protruding bone then you’re going to school!” I admit I am guilty of delayed diagnosis of a couple ear infections, a case of mono and the start of an ulcer on their eye before taking them in for a doctor’s appointment.
Donna: When I was around eight years old, I was shy and would avoid making eye contact. My grandmother told me that my smile was a gift from God and that I had no right to hide it. She explained the power a smile could bring — some light and joy in an otherwise trying day. As I grew older, I really understood how just a simple smile could make someone feel seen and acknowledged.
Donna: To see the best in people and celebrate what makes them special. I remember when they first attended a military grade school with children from all different backgrounds and how excited they were to tell me about each of their classmates. How one student spoke two languages, how another was born in another country, another had five brothers and sisters and how one little boy didn’t like his food to touch on his plate! They treated each child as a unique individual and only saw their differences as exciting and cool.
Donna: My favorite Mother’s Day gift was when the girls were six years old. I could hear them scurrying around the house that morning when I got up, and when I opened my bedroom door, there was a single tulip taped on my door with painter’s tape and a handmade card. The thought and consideration they put into the card and wanting to make sure it was the first thing I saw when I got up melted my heart. After the fact, I did have to go apologize to the neighbor whose garden my girls went and clipped the tulip from!
Edwin K. Delph: A Legacy of Generosity and Heart Edwin (Ed) Delph is HonorHealth Foundation’s longest-giving donor, contributing annually for an incredible 70 years — including 44 consecutive years! In 1953, he was recommended by a friend for the John C. Lincoln board and served until 1974 – an impressive 21 years of helping healthcare expand in the Valley! Over the decades, his generosity has supported a range of programs, though most of his gifts have gone to a cause closest to his heart: helping the most vulnerable through Desert Mission and its vital services. Ed has lived a life many would envy. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he continues to travel to family weddings and embraces his role as the family patriarch. His tidy home tells the story of a rich life — filled with family photos, mementos from cherished vacations, favorite books and newspaper clippings about his work in the Valley. He still speaks proudly of his late wife, Margaret, who passed in 2012, often saying one of the secrets to a long life is “a great wife.” From 1943 to 1946, Ed served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant JG, and he is a proud graduate of Harvard University. But he’s quick to add that he’s an Arizona State University supporter, too — thanks to two proud Sun Devil sons. Ed continues to watch HonorHealth grow and evolve, expressing excitement about the expansion of hospital care to the East Valley through the acquisition of the Steward hospitals. “I’m watching artificial intelligence unfold in healthcare,” he says. “That is something else.” When asked whether he’ll celebrate his birthday with a big cake, he quips, “I hope so!” We hope so too, Ed. From all your friends at HonorHealth Foundation: Happy, happy birthday. You’ve built an extraordinary legacy of care, compassion and philanthropy — in Arizona and beyond.
Update from HonorHealth Research Institute (HRI) on cardiovascular trials In this short video filmed at the HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Dr. Rizik quickly summarizes some exciting clinical trials that are rolling out in 2025. These cardiovascular clinical trials are groundbreaking in terms of the patients that HRI will be able to treat, including those that previously had no remaining therapeutic options. Amongst them—the Esprit BTK trial for peripheral vascular disease. Watch the video at honorhealthfoundation.org/research.
A “Tail” of Two Dogs It’s hard to imagine wanting to be bit by a dog is on anyone’s bucket list, but as you’ll soon find out – our very own Foundation staff member Steve Pawlowski volunteered to “man the jumpsuit” at a recent K-9 Officer training night. Bruising aside, hear his thoughtful account of the training that makes this 20-strong team of K-9 Safety Officers a formidable force against any potential threat at HonorHealth hospitals. I recently had the privilege to train with HonorHealth K-9 handler George and his amazing five-year-old Belgian Malinois, General. With a bruise still on my arm to remind me of General’s incredible bite, it’s fascinating to think that this is the same dog that let me give him belly rubs after our work was done! Founded in 2000 with only two dogs, HonorHealth’s K-9 Security Program has grown to 20 dog/handler teams throughout each HonorHealth network hospital and plays a vital role in ensuring safety at our facilities. These highly trained K-9 teams provide not only peace-of-mind and protection, but also bring comfort and smiles to patients, family members and hospital staff. Wearing a bite suit was one of the crazier items on my bucket list, but I have to admit that I had some reservations. The team joked that at least we were near a hospital if things went horribly wrong, but then quickly reassured me of the training, intelligence and confidence of both handler and dog. K-9 handlers and their dogs learn to become effective K-9 security teams during an intense, six-week K-9 academy at HonorHealth, led by instructor Robin Teed. The academy includes class time, lectures, practical field and obedience training, and handler protection training. At the end of the academy, all K-9 teams must pass the National Police Canine Association (NPCA) Certification. George proceeded to command General in his trained language as he lunged at my well-padded right arm. Commands are given in foreign languages, providing an extra layer of precision and control that’s essential in high-stakes situations. Hearing the determination in General’s bark, seeing the fire in his eyes and feeling the power of his bite, I was convinced at that moment that the troublemakers don’t stand a chance. It took everything I had not to fall to the ground as he locked onto my arm. Afterwards, George reminded me that General engaged with me from only four or five feet away. Imagine that encounter at full speed! When the bite suit came off, General and I played fetch with his beloved Kong toy. I was relieved to know that he held no grudges. As we played, George shared stories of how the HonorHealth staff at Deer Valley often shower General with treats and toys – and even dress him up for Halloween! He’s also been known to visit with anxious patients awaiting surgery to provide much needed comfort and distraction. As the training exercise and playtime came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of admiration for these remarkable K-9 teams. Being immersed in their world reaffirmed to me just how vital they are in creating a safe and reassuring environment at HonorHealth. Thank you, Robin, George, General and the entire K-9 team for this incredible experience! Steve Pawlowski is on the Communications and Donor Relations Team at HonorHealth Foundation, sharing stories of the life-changing and life-saving work that happens here each day. |
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Please save the date for the 8th Annual NICU Tea & Luncheon, taking place on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale. All proceeds will benefit the NICU at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea — the Northeast Valley’s only Level III NICU. This endearing annual event features a festive luncheon, program and auction that is both educational and inspirational. This year's theme is Ready. Set. Grow.
Thank you for joining us at the Brunch and Bloom event with special guest speaker, Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP! This inspirational event focused on Women’s Health, specifically menopause, as a way to shine a light on the innovation and advances that are made possible when women physicians in leadership, along with patients, work together in the spirit of greater health and well-being for all. Enjoy this short video clip from Dr. Haver’s talk about supplements to maintain women’s health during this stage of life. Of course, please consult with your doctor. 
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Did you know that more than 500 premature babies were admitted to the HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center NICU in 2024? They are most definitely our most fragile patients. You can help us help them.
