Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
The Banner Health Foundation has received a $1 million gift from The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation to sustain and expand breast health services for patients at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center on the campus of Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix.
The gift will provide patient financial assistance, help remove barriers to care for breast cancer patients, add patient navigation personnel to the team and support informational materials and community education events to raise awareness of the importance of routine breast cancer screenings and early detection, according to a press release.
This represents the largest gift The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation has made since its inception.
In recognition of the donation and the longstanding partnership with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, the Laura Dreier Breast Center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix will be renamed the Carol Fitzgerald Breast Health Center in honor of Larry Fitzgerald’s late mother, who died of breast cancer in 2003 at age 47.
“Everyone deserves access to quality screening, early detection and the support of a trusted medical team,” said Larry Fitzgerald Jr., founder of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. “By naming this center after my mother, Carol, we honor her legacy as an advocate and ensure that resources are available to those in our community who need them most.”
“This charitable gift will be impactful for so many current and future breast cancer patients,” said Andy Petersen, president and chief executive officer of the Banner Health Foundation. “We cannot thank Larry enough for his longtime friendship and partnership and this generous gift that will make a significant impact now and for years to come.”
Mr. Fitzgerald’s relationship with the Banner Health Foundation began about 15 years ago when he served as honorary chairman for the Hope Starts Here campaign, leading a group of community volunteers to raise $20 million to help build and open Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center’s main campus in Gilbert.
Since then, Banner MD Anderson has expanded its reach with extension sites in downtown Phoenix, the northwest Valley, Colorado and soon Scottsdale, with more than 200 providers serving more than 1.5 million patients and a portfolio of more than 200 clinical trials underway.
Beginning in late 2024, Banner MD Anderson joined The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation’s Breast Believe Campaign, which launched Nov. 1, 2022, to educate communities about early detection, prevention, symptoms and access surrounding a breast cancer diagnosis.
Through this partnership, Banner MD Anderson brings its mobile mammography unit, The Big Pink Bus, to events to provide screenings and breast health education in communities.
The gift will further extend Banner MD Anderson’s breast cancer care, treatment, support and education throughout the Valley.
“With breast cancer cases rising, especially in younger women, breaking down barriers to care couldn’t be more critical,” said David Paul, MD, senior physician executive at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. “This investment allows our team to do just that. Thank you, Larry, for this gift. It will be life-changing for so many.”
