PHOENIX–Desert Financial Foundation and Desert Financial Credit Union donated $1.425 million to the 1 Darn Cool School at Phoenix Children’s during a special ceremony.
The fully accredited K-12 program provides bedside and classroom instruction to any school-aged kids, both in-patient and out-patient receiving care at Phoenix Children’s.
“Each year, more than 2,000 children benefit from the program. Eight master’s-level teachers help students stay on track academically while maintaining routine, connection and hope during hospital stays and visits to outpatient facilities,” the credit union school.
As an example, Desert Financial shared the story of Justin Ramirez, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 13. DFCU noted his days quickly filled with hospital rooms, IV medications and long stretches of treatment at Phoenix Children’s.
‘One Thing Helped’
“In the middle of all of it, one thing helped him feel like himself again: school,” the credit union said. “Ramirez became a 1 Darn Cool School student shortly after his diagnosis in November 2024, spending months in the hospital and continuing treatment through clinic visits multiple times a week in 2025. Teachers worked with him during admissions, infusions and recovery periods to help him complete coursework, earn credits and promote from eighth grade to begin high school in person in January 2026.”
‘They Were Always There’
“They helped me with my school credits, because to be able to graduate you need enough credits,” Ramirez said in a statement. “They would first focus on my schoolwork, and if I needed help, they were always there.”
Ramirez’s experience reflects the mission of 1 Darn Cool School: bringing structure, connection and familiar routines to children whose time is shaped by medical care. During his hospital stays, teachers met with Ramirez in a shared classroom space when he felt well enough or at his bedside when he didn’t, according to Desert Financial.
‘Hardest Moments of Their Young Lives’
Desert Financial Executive Vice President Ron Amstutz said supporting that bridge is at the heart of the credit union’s long-standing partnership with the program.
“As a credit union founded by teachers, education is part of who we are,” Amstutz said in a statement. “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.”
1 Darn Cool School is fully funded by contributions from Desert Financial Foundation, Desert Financial Credit Union, its members and its employees.
Five-Year Commitment
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 fundraising goal in just two years, the credit union reported.
