38 NOVEMBER 2023 By Amy Carney Sierra Fox and Anthony Barton understand the importance of kidney health education, as they had no awareness or family history of kidney disease until their daughter, London, was born with it in 2022. Genetics testing at Phoenix Children’s Hospital determined at a week old that London had Denys-Drash syndrome, meaning she had a high probability of developing tumors and that her kidneys would fail. After four months in the Phoenix Children’s Hospital NICU unit, London had her kidneys removed just before her first birthday, and finally went home. The family gives credit to the team at PCH for the outstanding care their daughter received and the support and education they were given to successfully care for London from home. At 18 months, London remains on numerous medications and 12 hours of daily dialysis to help her. Fox and Barton monitor their daughter’s weight daily, waiting for when she is old enough to be eligible for a kidney transplant. According to the American Kidney Fund, more than 37 million Americans have kidney disease, and millions more are at risk. About 555,000 are on dialysis, and nearly 230,000 live with kidney transplants. Each month, almost 11,000 new cases of kidney failure are diagnosed. There are numerous organizations in Arizona collaborating to help support local families living with the disease. The Arizona Women’s Board (AWB) has been influential in raising money to support research, patient education, and serving the financial needs of kidney patients. The Valley nonprofit partners with the Arizona Kidney Foundation and Phoenix Children’s Hospital and funds grants to other organizations working with research and patients. Each year, AWB hosts an annual Author’s Luncheon to raise funds for everything from kidney research to providing the basic needs of families in Arizona. “The luncheon is a fun opportunity to gain awareness and understanding of kidney disease and the lifestyle changes necessary for patients and their families,” AWB member Dana Jirauch said. Humorist Erma Bombeck inspired the first Authors Luncheon in 1979, when she suggested the Women’s Board hold a fundraiser featuring friends and fellow authors who would discuss their latest releases. Bombeck herself had autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder. Since its inception, the luncheon – through the commitment, energy, and passion of the Women’s Board – has raised nearly $12 million for kidney patients. Many Arcadia residents remain AWB members, sustainers, luncheon attendees and supporters of the cause. “AWB is proud to support organizations that improve kidney health through education, assistance and research,” President Ingrid Haas said. “I am honored to serve as this year’s president, and we are excited to continue our mission.” Those looking to support can participate in the National Kidney Foundation’s annual Phoenix Kidney Walk. Registration is open, and the date will be announced soon. kidneywalk.org/phoenix Arcadia family finds hope after life-changing diagnosis Sierra Fox and Anthony Barton with their daughter, London, and Mica, an employee at the dialysis center. Sierra and Anthony raised $3,600 for last year’s National Kidney Foundation Walk. PHOTO COURTESY OF SIERRA FOX ARIZONA FROZÉ AND EATERY Paula Jacqueline Cakes and Pastries (4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale) opened a sandwich shop next door to the bakery called Arizona Frozé and Eatery . The business offers various frozé (frozen rosé wine) options – in bottles, pouches or popsicles – and sandwiches named after streets in Scottsdale, like the 5th Ave., with imported prosciutto and creamy brie, topped with spicy arugula and tart cherry jam toasted on a focaccia. paulajacqueline.com BIRDCALL Birdcall, a chicken sandwich-focused restaurant that started in Denver in 2016, recently opened its latest Arizona location at 7th St. and Glendale Ave. The eatery offers chicken sandwiches, salads, tenders, sides, shakes and a breakfast menu. eatbirdcall.com RESTAURANT NEWS Sunday, November 12 10:30 am - 12:30 pm O OP PE EN N H HO OU US SE E S T C S . U S R E G I S T E R H E R E ! Catholic Liberal Arts Education Preschool through 8th Grade Visual Arts Music Physical Education Spanish Library Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sacramental Preparation Weekly Mass and Adoration CYAA School Sports Student Council and NJHS Schoolwide Service Projects Afterschool Enrichment Classes Student Support Services Mentor Families Community Events

REEIS’S FALL PROMOTION – GET $7,500 - $8,500 OFF A NEW TRANE SYSTEM! Hot Rooms AC Not cooling properly High Energy Bills Uncomfortable House We can fix that! WWW.REEIS.COM 602.492.3700 REEIS A/C L LC ROC# B - 318364 , C- 39 – 31836 3 Schedule a FREE Consultation Today! A TOP-OF-THE-LINE VARIABLE SPEED TRANE . . . FOR THE PRICE OF A BASIC UNIT.