A grant was awarded to Sun Health Foundation’s Generosity for Generations campaign by The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation in support of growing health care needs for women and newborn infants at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center’s Louisa Kellam Center for Women’s Health, 14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West.

If the name Bruce Halle rings a bell, it’s with good reason. The late Mr. Halle founded Discount Tire, the world’s largest independent tire and wheel retailer with more than 1,000 stores in 34 states. Both Mr. and Mrs. Halle devoted their lives to giving back to support neighbors, heal communities and expand access to medical care.

“The West Valley of Maricopa County has been the fastest growing county in the country for several years now. It is important for pregnant women to have access to high quality health care in their community. The Halle Foundation is proud to partner with the Sun Health Foundation and provide this support,” said Tom Egan, Halle Foundation executive director.              

With this grant, a significant impact is being made in funding new enhancements in health care and wellness services to ensure they’re available when needed for expectant moms, infants and their families in surrounding West Valley communities and across the Valley.

“We’re deeply honored to receive this generous gift from this amazing foundation led by exceptional community leaders with such dedication and compassion for helping oth-ers,” said Gina W. Ore, Sun Health Foundation chief philanthropy officer. “Because of their generosity, Sun Health Foundation and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center are recognizing them with the naming of an area at the medical center in their honor.”

It was 20 years ago when the Louisa Kellam Center for Women’s Health opened with the birth of twins Feb. 2, 2002. From approximately 300 babies that first year to more than 2,000 babies in 2021 and growing, the center is continuing to expand with the West Valley.

“Louisa and I are filled with gratitude for The Halle Foundation’s generosity and their vision that we share to ensure that superior health care services at the Louisa Kellam Center for Women’s Health continue to be provided,” said Birt Kellam, Sun Health Foundation’s Generosity for Generations campaign chairman. “It’s a source of great pride for us and the West Valley that Women and Infant Services are continually recognized among the top obstetrics programs and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center has been named among the top hospitals in the country.”

Just recently, U.S. News & World Report named Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center among the nine best hospitals in Arizona in which to have a baby. Other recognitions include Newsweek and The Leapfrog Group that earlier ranked the medical center among the eight Best Maternity Care Hospitals 2021.

Visit SunHealthFoundation.org/generosity or call 623-471-8500.

Editor’s Note: Linda Tyler is Sun Health Foundation marketing and public relations director.