So, when I heard about the new Banner children’s hospital in the East Valley, which was named Cardon Children’s Medical Center in May, I felt very hopeful and excited that the unwell kids in our Valley (and from all over the country) would have the best possible facility to help them get well.

Named after the Cardon family, who generously donated $10 million toward the project, the new medical center is slated to open in November and will eventually house 248 children’s beds. The state-of-the-art facility is attracting the country’s top doctors, and according to Andy J. Kramer, president and C.E.O. of Banner Health Foundation, this place will really be a national leader in children’s medicine.

But beyond the technical advancements that will soon be found here, what Kramer talks most passionately about—and what impresses me the most—are the simple things that will take place here to help the children heal. Much research went into the psychology of children’s medicine, resulting in a nature-inspired lobby; age-appropriate play areas; respite rooms for the parents to take a break; and family-friendly, private rooms, so parents can sleep over anytime.

I feel that come fall our Valley will be an even better place, thanks to the Cardon Children’s Medical Center. But let’s not forget to do our part, like the Cardon family. Every dollar counts, so even a $5 donation will help the Banner Health Foundation to do what they do best.

This summer, let’s be thankful for our healthy kids and help the unwell children get healthy soon.