A Life Lived With Purpose, and Left With Meaning

Following Bob Sanderson's battles with cancer, he and his wife, Cheri, tapped into that very personal experience and realized they wanted to help kids struggling through similar challenges. Now, their compassion and generosity will impact the lives of countless children who receive care at Banner Children’s at Desert.

The Sandersons knew they wanted to do something special with their estate upon their passing. Inspired when they saw Banner Children’s at Desert—a Banner Children's pediatric facility—under construction, and understanding that this eventual state-of-the-art medical center would make a real, lasting difference in their own community, they wanted to help.

After Bob's passing in 2016, Cheri continued learning about Banner Children’s at Desert, with a special interest in its Hospital School program. She decided to direct a portion of her life insurance policy's death benefit to the Hospital School program and the Oncology and Hematology departments.

"When I toured Banner Children’s at Desert, I learned there wasn't a lot of extra money for the School," Cheri explains. "And, I think it's important for the kids to have as much of a regular life as possible."

Cheri was there for the unveiling of a sign displayed in their honor in a 7th floor patient room at Banner Children’s at Desert. She could not stop smiling.

"Bob would have been extremely proud," she says. "We had 'bucket lists.' Making a donation to Banner Children’s at Desert was on his list."

Cheri hopes their commitment will inspire others to give as well.