Banner Children's Open raises $1 million for Child Life Program

Record-breaking charity golf tournament supports the emotional well-being of Arizona's youngest patients

5/1/2026

Healthcare Realty celebrating their win of the Challenge Hole at the 2026 Banner Children's Open.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the Banner Children's Open achieved a milestone we're proud to share with you—raising a record-breaking $1 million for the Child Life program at Banner Children's medical centers in Arizona.

On Friday, April 10, nearly 300 golfers gathered at Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge for a day of golf with purpose. The sold-out tournament on two courses featured unique challenge holes, fun contests, and a spirit of camaraderie that made the day truly special. This year marked a historic first: the event was co-chaired by three women—Carrie Bailes of Buehler Engineering, Brittany Burbes of DPR Construction, and Sarah Halverson of Mortenson.

Co-chairs: Sarah Halverson of Mortenson, Carrie Bailes of Buehler Engineering and Brittany Burbes of DPR Construction

Proceeds will support the Child Life program, where trained experts provide age-appropriate emotional, psychological, and educational support to hospitalized children and their families. Using therapeutic play, pre-operative teaching, and coping techniques, these specialists help ease stress, fear, and anxiety during some of the most challenging moments in a child's life.

Because Child Life services are non-medical and not covered by insurance, support from donors like you makes this vital program possible.

Two inspiring young patients served as tournament Co-Ambassadors this year, sharing their stories with golfers and supporters throughout the day.

Dr. Rahul Chawla, Emergency Medicine Physician and Division Medical Director at Banner Children's at Thunderbird, interviewing Co-Ambassadors, Kaleb and Owen. 

Owen, 7, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt Lymphoma in September 2024 and completed intensive chemotherapy at Banner Children's at Thunderbird in February 2025. His journey was challenging, but with the support of the Child Life team, Owen and his entire family found strength and hope.

"During diagnosis, Child Life expertly met with Owen to explain what his cancer was and how they were going to treat it," explains Owen's mom, Heather. "They also met individually with Noah. Noah is 20 months older than Owen and they are very close. They share a room and it was very hard on Noah for mom and Owen to be away at the hospital for weeks at a time over four months. Our first stay was 31 days long. Child Life was incredibly supportive of meeting Noah where he was and helping him with tools to manage his fears. Each stage of his treatment was planned out and explained in a way Owen and Noah could both understand."

Today, Owen is doing well and back in school—a testament to excellent medical care and comprehensive Child Life support.

Kaleb, 11, was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2023 and is currently in the maintenance phase of treatment at Banner Children's at Thunderbird. After being out of school for 1½ years and enduring weekly hospital visits for chemotherapy, Kaleb found comfort and courage through the Child Life team.

"Child Life is very supportive and kept him distracted so he wouldn't focus on the pain," says Kaleb's mom Vanessa. "He was very scared at first, but then he got used to it. I'm very thankful for Child Life and appreciate all of his nurses and doctors who helped him throughout this hard time of his life."

"The Banner Children's Open is a popular golf tournament every year and one important way generous members of our community support the Child Life program," said Christy Atler, Vice President of Development for the Banner Health Foundation. "We are so grateful to our sponsors, donors, co-chairs, tournament planning committee members, and volunteers who helped make this year's tournament an unprecedented success. On behalf of all the kids who will benefit from this generous support, thank you."

Your support ensures that every child cared for at Banner Children's receives the emotional and psychological support they need to thrive—not just during their hospital stay, but long after they return home.
Browse photos from this year's unforgettable event.