Banner Health Hero program gives patients a meaningful way to say thank you
4/1/2026
Donor Bryan Toone recognizes the Banner Gateway Medical Center team on receiving the Banner Health hero award.
Remember that nurse who provided exceptional care during your hospital stay? The physician who took time to truly listen? The care team member who stopped by a few extra times to check on you and ask if you needed anything? The Banner Health Hero program gives grateful patients and families a simple, meaningful way to recognize those who made a positive impact on their health care experience. The program has recently expanded from its Arizona roots to include patients and providers at more than 100 Banner facilities across six states.
How it works
When you honor a Banner caregiver through the program with a philanthropic gift in any amount, your story of gratitude is sent directly to that caregiver and their leaders. It's a simple gesture that has a meaningful impact on team morale and helps celebrate moments of compassionate care. Each honored caregiver receives a Banner Health Hero lapel pin and certificate, with recognition shared with their leadership team and peers.
Dr. Marjorie Bessel recognizes Dr. Fade Mahmoud on receiving the Banner Health Hero award.
Gratitude is a science-backed tool that aids in healing by shifting one’s focus to abundance and connection. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can boost immunity, reduce stress, deepen sleep, lessen pain, and improve mental and physical well-being. When paired with a charitable gift, grateful patients are also helping to advance Banner’s nonprofit mission in many ways—supporting research initiatives, patient care programs, supportive services for caretakers, community health education, and more.
Since the Banner Health Hero program's expansion earlier this year, more than 300 patients and families have already shared stories of gratitude for their Banner caregivers. These messages highlight the everyday moments that define exceptional care and boost the morale of our providers.
One patient praised Chris, a nurse at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, saying, "I was in the pre-operating area getting ready for a hernia procedure, and I had the most wonderful young man as a nurse. He was so kind and so caring. I was just so thankful for him." Another honored Dr. Fadi Khoury and Dr. Ziad Elghoul at Banner Desert Medical Center, who "spent a full day helping my husband through a scheduled surgery and an emergency surgery that saved my husband's life and leg."
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Dr. Ganesh Gopalakrishna (right) recognizes Dr. Allison Perrin on receiving the Banner Health Hero award.
At Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, a patient with a case of Shingles found comfort in the team's quick, professional response: "Not knowing what this painful affliction was, I was searching the internet. I am so glad they were there to help in a time of need."
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