What an Event!

The preliminary totals are in, and I am ecstatic to announce that the Grant Hovannisian Memorial Golf Tournament will generate well-over $20,000 for Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Wow...truly amazing! Damon and I are beyond grateful for the generosity that people showed to benefit a place so close to our hearts.

Not only were we fortunate enough to have a renowned children's hospital in our local area with world-class facilities and physicians, but the people we encountered at Phoenix Children's Hospital truly defined our experience.  The compassion and respect they showed to Granty, as well as our entire family, will resonate with me for the rest of my life.

The "adorable baby in 6105" (later 6108) had no problem attracting fans, but interest did not simply stop with Granty.  Not only did everyone know our names, but they also knew that Granty had a big sister and made sure Alexa was made to feel special.  Not only did the staff compile a collection of books and toys for Granty, but they also made sure that Alexa also received books, stuffed animals, care packages, etc...  Despite the sadness of the reason we were there, we did have many heartfelt moments at PCH, like the wagon Nurse Mandy made-up for Grant's parade around the PICU unit, our family Thanksgiving on the hospital patio, Jenny of the Child Life department imprinting Granty's footprints in clay as a keepsake...the list is endless.

During Granty's final days, Damon and I made the decision to stay at the hospital, rather than a hospice house or at-home care, because it was the place we felt most comfortable.  It speaks volumes that we wanted to stay at PCH, and even more remarkably, the staff at the hospital was more than happy to accommodate to our request.  The staff arranged for a coffee cart and food in Grant's PICU room to ensure that we would not have to spend a moment away from him.  The attending PICU doctor continued to make frequent visits into the room, not only to check on Grant, but also to ensure that Damon and I were doing okay.

I hope we will never have to experience Phoenix Children's Hospital again, but I am grateful for everything PCH and its staff did for Grant and our family.  I am proud that Granty's legacy will continue at such an amazing place.

Quite the legacy!