Dignity Health Foundation AK-CHIN Grant Briefing

Tribal Gaming Community Application Briefing:
Non-Profit Submission
Tribal Gaming Community Applying To
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Name of the Non-profit Organization
Dignity Health Foundation East Valley
Does the Non-profit Organization have IRS Tax-Exempt Status?
Yes
Contact Information
Laurel Vetsch
laurel.vetsch@commonspirit.org
(480) 728-3130
Application Priority Areas
Health Care
Title of the Project
Histotripsy A Transformative Advance in Noninvasive Cancer Therapy
Amount Intended to Request
$150,000
Purpose of the Grant
The purpose of the grant will be to help purchase an innovative technology called
Histotripsy. Unlike traditional surgery or radiation, histotripsy is completely non-invasive.
It uses focused ultrasound waves to precisely target and destroy diseased tissue
without a single incision, without radiation, and without introducing chemotherapy into
the body. Imagine a therapy that harnesses sound not scalpels to break apart tumors.
Project Summary
Unlike traditional ablation techniques that rely on heat or freezing, histotripsy harnesses
controlled acoustic cavitation micro bubbles that form and collapse with extraordinary
precision to liquefy diseased tissue while sparing surrounding structures. This level of
accuracy is guided by real-time imaging, allowing clinicians to see treatment effects as
they occur and adjust instantly. The result is a therapy that is both highly targeted and
remarkably gentle on the patient, significantly reducing procedural risk, recovery time,
and overall burden of care. Clinically, histotripsy holds particular promise for patients
who are poor candidates for surgery or who face limited options due to tumor location,
co-morbidities, or prior treatments. Early applications in liver tumors have demonstrated
compelling outcomes, including meaningful tumor destruction with minimal
complications and rapid recovery often without the need for hospitalization. Beyond
oncology, technology’s potential extends to additional solid-organ applications, opening
the door to broader use across complex disease states where conventional
interventions are constrained. As a platform technology, histotripsy is not simply a new
tool, but a fundamentally different way of approaching tissue destruction with safety,
precision, and patient-centered outcomes at its core.

Impact on the City of Chandler
Dignity Health has a long history of collaboration with the City of Chandler for services
and initiatives that improve the health of Chandler residents. This hospital technology
will directly impact every Chandler resident who will visit Chandler Regional Medical
Center for specific types of cancer treatments for which this technology is prescribed.
Here in Arizona, this advancement is especially meaningful. Our region is home to a
diverse population, and Dignity Health has a long-standing relationship with local Native
American tribes. We know that liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),
carries a significant impact across many communities, with Native Americans among
those affected at higher rates nationwide.
By bringing histotripsy here to the East Valley, we can ensure that all patients in our
region across backgrounds and circumstances have access to the most advanced,
compassionate care close to home. Whether a tumor originates from primary liver
cancer or has spread from another cancer, histotripsy offers a safer, more effective
option. The clinical benefits are profound: 1) No incisions, fewer complications; 2)
Faster recovery times; 3) Options for patients who are not candidates for surgery; and
4) Research is advancing rapidly in kidney, prostate, pancreas, and brain cancers,
opening the door to treating some of the most difficult diseases we face.
Address of Non-profit Organization the City of Chandler will Send the Tribal
Community Grant Payment
1727 W. Frye Road
Suite 230
Chandler, Arizona. 85224
Contact Name for Receipt of Payment
Laurel Vetsch