Dear Friends of PCH:

We are proud to partner with Michael Young in support of his effort to organize the 4th Annual Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2009 to benefit Phoenix Children's Hospital’s Animal Assisted Therapy program.

We are excited to embrace this opportunity offered by this partnership to communicate the critical issues of quality pediatric health care to the people of Arizona, while raising significant funds for the state’s only free-standing children’s hospital.  Located at 20th Street and Thomas in the heart of the city, Phoenix Children’s Hospital is a world-class, comprehensive pediatric medical center solidly grounded in a families-first philosophy. 

Animal Assisted Therapy is a program where therapy animals and their owners are trained and nationally certified to provide therapeutic interaction with patients and their families.  Scientific research has shown that a patient’s interaction with an animal can provide positive physical and emotional benefits.   Among the specific benefits of animal-assisted therapy are the ways it motivates children to: 

 • Get up, move, walk, leave their room, play
 • Participate in therapy (physical, occupational, speech)
 • Forget their discomfort or pain and interact more with others
 • Improve their mood and their interactions with family and staff
 • Do things that may be a struggle, such as eating, taking medication, or waiting.

As a part of this effort, you are helping Phoenix Children’s Hospital provide these extensive medical resources and programs to children all over the Southwest.  Our 501 (c)(3) ID is 74-2421549, please speak with your tax advisor to discuss whether or not your donation is tax deductible in accordance with tax laws.  Feel free to contact me with any questions, 602-546-2640.

On behalf of these children and their families, please accept our heartfelt thanks for providing hope, healing and the best care for children and their families.