Read about supporters who are making transformative care possible today–and tomorrow.
Drs. Michel & Susanne Sucher
As a highly regarded addiction medicine expert, Dr. Michel Sucher has dedicated much of his professional career to helping those tackling the chaos and complicated aspects of substance use disorders.
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The breadth and depth of his experience includes serving as acting Medical Director of the Division of Behavioral Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services, Chief Medical Officer for Rural/Metro Corporation and Medical Director of Physician Health for HonorHealth. More recently, Dr. Sucher retired as Chief Medical Officer for Community Bridges, where he continues to serve on the Board.
Now, thanks to his generous commitment through his estate plan, and along with his wife, Dr. Susanne Sucher, his life’s work will continue through the establishment of the Michel A. Sucher, MD, Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program and the Michel A. Sucher, MD, Endowed Chair in Addiction Medicine. In addition, the two funds will offer critical support for patients and families: the Sucher Family Addiction Medicine and Behavioral Health Fund and the Sucher Family Emergency and Trauma Services Fund.
“My hope is that with the fellowship program and the endowed chair, HonorHealth will attract top physicians in the addiction field,” says Dr. Sucher.
As the Program Director for the first Addiction Medicine Fellowship in Arizona, he notes, “I see these as great avenues to inspire and motivate others. Addiction Medicine is now recognized as a medical specialty. Furthermore substance use disorders are considered chronic medical conditions which touch every medical area from internal medicine to surgery to psychiatry and every other area of medicine.”
Dr. Sucher has a long and remarkable history with HonorHealth. He first served as an emergency department physician at our Scottsdale Osborn and Shea Medical Centers where he served as Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine.
“I was very impacted by the patients I treated,” he explains. “Many would come in with trauma coupled with alcohol abuse or an addiction disorder. These experiences compelled me to make this transition.”
And, little did he know at the time that his journey would bring him to his lovely wife, Susanne. An esteemed psychologist specializing in the addiction treatment field, Dr. Susanne Sucher shares a similar personal history with her husband and his commitment to helping others struggling with these chronic disorders.
Colleagues and friends for many years and now married, this inspiring couple has seen first-hand, the challenges that come with addiction and recovery. Susanne says “I am so happy that Michel has this opportunity to create a legacy to help others. The fellowship program and endowed chair bring his life’s work and calling full circle. It is an honor to be involved with HonorHealth and for the two of us to be able to do this together,” she adds.
“Resources, knowledge and awareness of addiction as a treatable disease were lacking when both Susanne and I started working in this field,” says Dr. Sucher. “With the introduction of these new programs through HonorHealth, along with Community Bridges, it is very rewarding and exciting for everyone: patients, physicians and the community. There is a huge need for these types of services, and I find it very rewarding that I can help set the foundation to carry on these principles and practices which have been so important in my life.”
Virginia G. Piper
As Arizona’s leading philanthropist, Virginia G. Piper’s devotion to helping others has left a remarkable legacy.
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With exceptional intelligence and grace, Virginia committed herself to the challenge, reward and vocation of philanthropy. When Virginia became involved in a cause, she put her whole heart into it and inspired others to join her.
A staunch Midwesterner, Virginia was known for her vibrant personality, and her loyalty and compassion for others. Her philanthropic career began under the tutelage of her first husband, Paul V. Galvin, founder of Motorola. When Paul passed away in 1959, Paul left Virginia in charge of his foundation. She spent the next forty years as a revered philanthropist. In 1969, Virginia married Kenneth M. Piper, Vice President of Human Resources at Motorola.
Virginia began her major charitable contributions to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital in the early 1970’s which continued throughout her lifetime. The Kenneth M. Piper Family Health Center which later became the Piper Outpatient Surgery Center and the Virginia G. Piper Special Care Units at both HonorHealth Osborn and Shea Medical Centers are just a few examples of Virginia’s generosity and leadership. Seeing these projects completed in her lifetime gave her a great sense of joy and satisfaction. Today, the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, the state’s first comprehensive cancer center, stands in testament to HonorHealth’s most gracious and generous donor.
Virginia also brought her leadership and a wealth of new ideas. to a growing health care system. Drawing on the success of the annual Crusaders’ Ball, a black-tie event for Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, Virginia suggested a similar event to the administrators of then Scottsdale Memorial Hospital in 1976. Her idea was to bring the community together with its physicians as both a great awareness builder and a fundraising opportunity. Completely underwritten by Virginia in 1977, this black-tie event, The Honor Ball, with first honoree being the late Kenneth M. Piper, was the first of its kind in Scottsdale. The Honor Ball continues to be a flourishing and successful event that has raised millions of dollars to benefit HonorHealth patients, services and programs.
Virginia was elected to the Scottsdale Memorial Hospital Board of Directors in the early 1980’s and became the only Lifetime member designated when she retired from the board. She was also a Trustee of Scottsdale Memorial Healthcare Foundation and its first Legacy Trustee.
In 1993, Virginia was awarded the first Doctor of Philanthropy award by Scottsdale Memorial Health Foundation for her unwavering devotion and service to Scottsdale Memorial patients and families.
Virginia passed away in 1999. Earlier in the decade she established the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to continue her legacy of giving in Maricopa County. Through her Charitable Trust, Virginia continues to inspire us all and because of her, future generations will be healthier, better educated, and live in a community that values arts and culture and believes in the power of giving.
“There is a huge need for these types of services, and I find it very rewarding that I can help set the foundation to carry on these principles and practices which have been so important in my life.”
-Dr. Michel Sucher
Dan Klingenberg
Just like Dan, you can support HonorHealth and receive benefits in return!
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Arizona native Dan Klingenberg was so grateful for the life-saving care he received after his heart attack that he gave to HonorHealth, formerly Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation, in the form of a Charitable Gift Annuity.
When you make a gift to HonorHealth using a Charitable Gift Annuity, you will receive guaranteed fixed payments for life. With the attractive payment rates, this giving option is truly a win-win.
Becky Curtis Stevens
Caregiver, nurturer, philanthropist, these are just a few ways to describe Becky Curtis Stevens. For the heart and vascular patients at HonorHealth whose lives have been changed because of her generosity, “lifesaver” would be added to the list.
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Becky’s interest in health care goes back to her younger days in Indianapolis when she volunteered at a local hospital. After she relocated to Scottsdale, she discovered HonorHealth. “My husband always received superior care at Scottsdale Healthcare. So, my wish was to support the department of heart and vascular services,” says Becky. She is committed to making a difference now and sustaining that impact beyond her lifetime.
Working with her financial advisor, Becky discovered that she could support HonorHealth’s heart and vascular program through a Charitable Bequest. A Charitable Bequest is a provision in either a will or living trust which provides that all or a portion of your estate will pass on to a charitable organization such as HonorHealth.
A Charitable Bequest has many benefits and for Becky it was the perfect fit. Because of Becky’s generosity through her Charitable Bequest, she will continue to make a significant difference to the heart and vascular patients that she cares most deeply about for many decades to come.
“My husband always received superior care at Scottsdale Healthcare. So, my wish was to support the department of heart and vascular services.“
–Becky Curtis Stevens
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