Desert Financial donates $1.4 million to Phoenix Children's

Donation supports 1 Darn Cool School program that helps patients continue education during hospital stays

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Desert Financial Foundation and Desert Financial Credit Union have donated $1.425 million to the 1 Darn Cool School program at Phoenix Children's. The fully accredited K-12 program provides bedside and classroom instruction to any school-aged children receiving care at the hospital, both in-patient and out-patient, to help them stay on track academically during their treatment.

Why it matters

The 1 Darn Cool School program helps bring a sense of normalcy and routine to children undergoing medical treatment, allowing them to continue their education and stay connected to their peers. This donation from Desert Financial ensures the program can continue supporting thousands of patients each year.

The details

The $1.425 million donation is part of a five-year, $5 million commitment to 1 Darn Cool School announced by Desert Financial in 2024. The program employs eight master's-level teachers who work with students during hospital stays and outpatient visits to help them complete coursework, earn credits, and promote to the next grade level. This support was crucial for 13-year-old Justin Ramirez, who was able to transition back to in-person school after over a year of hospital-based learning while undergoing treatment for leukemia.

  • Justin Ramirez was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2024.
  • Ramirez became a 1 Darn Cool School student shortly after his diagnosis in November 2024.
  • Ramirez spent months in the hospital and continued treatment through clinic visits multiple times a week in 2025.
  • Ramirez was able to begin high school in person in January 2026.

The players

Desert Financial Foundation

The charitable arm of Desert Financial Credit Union that donated $1.425 million to the 1 Darn Cool School program at Phoenix Children's.

Desert Financial Credit Union

A credit union that has partnered with Phoenix Children's and provided a five-year, $5 million commitment to the 1 Darn Cool School program.

Justin Ramirez

A 13-year-old patient at Phoenix Children's who was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2024 and participated in the 1 Darn Cool School program during his treatment.

Lydia Smith

A teacher with the 1 Darn Cool School program who worked closely with Justin Ramirez to coordinate with his home school, adapt lessons, and advocate for his academic progress during his treatment.

Ron Amstutz

The Executive Vice President of Desert Financial Credit Union, which has a long-standing partnership with the 1 Darn Cool School program.

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What they’re saying

“They helped me with my school credits, because to be able to graduate you need enough credits. They would first focus on my schoolwork, and if I needed help, they were always there.”

— Justin Ramirez

“It made me feel free because you could go outside your room instead of feeling isolated. They would sit next to you at your bed, and that made me feel like a regular, normal human being.”

— Justin Ramirez

“1 Darn Cool School brings a sense of normalcy into a not-so-normal time for patients. We are able to be the bridge between school and hospital and ensure that patients are still engaged with their education. That sense of consistency can be a beacon of hope.”

— Lydia Smith, 1 Darn Cool School teacher

“As a credit union founded by teachers, education is part of who we are. This commitment ensures children receiving care at Phoenix Children's can continue learning, stay connected to their peers and focus on their future, even during the hardest moments of their young lives.”

— Ron Amstutz, Desert Financial Executive Vice President

What’s next

The $1.425 million donation is part of a five-year, $5 million commitment to 1 Darn Cool School announced by Desert Financial in 2024. With this year's gift, the credit union has reached 70% of its fundraising goal in just two years.

The takeaway

The 1 Darn Cool School program at Phoenix Children's provides a vital service by helping young patients like Justin Ramirez continue their education and maintain a sense of normalcy during difficult medical treatments. Desert Financial's generous multi-year commitment ensures this program can continue supporting thousands of children each year.