(Phoenix, Arizona) – It was a night of togetherness and perseverance for walkers, families and patients during Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Ignite Hope candlelit walk on Saturday, Dec. 10. The event brought more than 2,000 walkers to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and raised $360,576 for patient care, research and more.
The festivities kicked off at North High School, which included superhero appearances, face painting, refreshments and an appearance from Santa. At 5:30 p.m., Saint Nick led the 1.1-mile trek to the hospital on a fire truck. Walkers held battery-lit candles and were greeted by patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, who peered down from their rooms while holding candles of their own. An inspirational program began at 6:30 p.m., including carolers, live entertainment, “thank yous” from patients and a tree-lighting ceremony.
“Not only does Ignite Hope make a terrific visual impact for the patients and families of Phoenix Children’s Hospital during the holidays, but also a large financial impact for the hospital,” said Steve Schnall, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. “With the funds raised by Ignite Hope, the hospital will continue to lead the country in quality care, research and medical innovation.”
The Ignite Hope tradition began when the friends and family of 15-year-old PCH patient Katie Wagner held a candlelight vigil outside her hospital window after she was diagnosed with cancer. While Katie has since passed, the candlelight tradition has lived on to brighten the lives of thousands more patients. Katie’s parents, Jacque and Steve Wagner, participated in the Dec. 10 event and continue to promote the positive impact the hospital has on so many lives.
Ignite Hope would not be possible without the generous support of community partners. Media partners are 12 News and Univision Arizona. Corporate partners include 2 Thumbs Production, 4 Sons Food Stores, Alpha Connect, American Textile Recycling Services, AmTrust Bank, Bank of Arizona, Bell Honda, Big O Tires, BillingTree, Cable One, Danzeisen Dairy, Dutch Bros Coffee, Elements Massage, Gila River Casinos, GKN Aerospace, HMS Host, Interstate Batteries, Odyssey Services Corporation, PepsiCo, Peter Piper Pizza, Phoenix Fire Department, Pizza Hut, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Rubio’s, SSP America, Statistics & Data Corporation, The Ross Team – NOVA Home Loans, U-Haul, URun LLC, Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club/Valley Kids Foundation and Wells Fargo.