Jeremy Sharpe to lead campaign for Diamond Children’s Play Zone

11/01/2022

A lifelong Tucson resident, Jeremy
is President of Sharpe and Associates,
a family development company based
in Southern Arizona and the master
developer of Rancho Sahuarita
community.

Tucson business leader Jeremy Sharpe is leading the Banner Health Foundation’s effort to build a Play Zone at Diamond Children’s Medical Center in Tucson. Once completed, the bright, non-medical Play Zone will give hospitalized kids and teens a space away from their hospital rooms and medical care team to work with certified Child Life Specialists, whose therapeutic interventions are largely play-based—as this is how kids connect to the world around them and master their experiences. Young patients will have the chance to explore their emotions, express themselves creatively, and participate in activities to ease stress and uncertainty.

Features of the Play Zone include an art studio, medical play area, media room with a big screen, sensory room for kids with special needs, an area just for toddlers and preschoolers, a teen video gaming area with basketball arcade, and a space for STEM activities complete with a 3D printer.

“I’ve had the opportunity to provide clinical care to patients in a play zone and the magic of the space is truly incredible,” says Hadley Trull, Associate Director of Child Life at Diamond Children’s Medical Center. “The honest conversations that come from a relaxed environment and the creative outlet this space provides are unlike anything that can be offered in a hospital room. Young patients need space away from the medical world to just be themselves in a supportive environment that allows for questions and emotions to be explored.”

A lifelong Tucson resident, Jeremy is President of Sharpe and Associates, a family development company based in Southern Arizona and the master developer of Rancho Sahuarita community. He is the proud father of two young children and serves on the Banner Health Foundation board of directors.

Jeremy credits his passion for giving back, especially to improve life in Southern Arizona, to his parents. “They have always shared the importance of kindness and respecting others. My mom would always say, ‘open your heart’ and my late father lived by Dale Carnegie principles and shared his books with me at a young age,” says Jeremy. He credits his late father, Bobby Sharpe, for teaching him to respect, listen, and get to know others. “As he battled brain cancer, my father’s motto became ‘Today is a Good Day’—a reminder to appreciate and cherish each moment. Each morning, I start my day uttering those simple words,” Jeremy says.

Jeremy says he is proud to lead this effort to raise $3 million to bring the Play Zone to life. “The Play Zone will provide a space for children to escape the weight of navigating the medical world,” says Jeremy. “We’re thrilled to support this effort as a family and to lead the campaign to bring the Play Zone to life for Diamond Children’s patients.”

Rendering of the Arts & Science Zone

Rendering of the Teen Zone

Funds raised through the Play Zone campaign will cover the costs of construction, furnishing, and décor. Gifts of every level are welcome, including multi-year pledges, non-cash assets, and estate gifts. Commemorative naming opportunities within the Play Zone are available to recognize significant gifts.

To support the Play Zone, make your gift online or contact Debbie Sheppard, Chief Development Officer for Tucson, at 520.694.3967 or Debbie.Sheppard@BannerHealth.com.