Litchfield Park’s Sun Health Foundation is highlighted in statewide healthcare awards

 Sun Health Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates the La Loma Village continuing care retirement community in Litchfield Park, has been named the 2026 Healthcare Organization of the Year by regional business publication AZ Big Media.

The award recognizes performance in patient care coordination, medical fundraising, and regional senior wellness programming.

"Sun Health has been a part of the West Valley’s transformation from small towns to a suburban area with more than 1.8 million residents," said Foundation Board Chair Sharon Orlopp. “Our work honors the region’s rich history and is shaping its bright future.”

The ceremony also recognized two West Valley executives as individual award finalists:

• Nora Hannah, the chief engagement officer was named as a finalist for Healthcare Leader of the Year. Hannah was recognized for developing community strategies aimed at increasing the number of years people live independently and without severe chronic illness, a wellness model implemented across the foundation's West Valley residential communities.
• Joe La Rue, the organization's president was named as a finalist for Large Business Leader of the Year. La Rue, who accepted the organizational award, was recognized for long-term executive management and civic contributions, which include previous tenures on the Peoria City Council and the Arizona Transportation Board.

Foundation officials attributed the recognition to its network of local donors and volunteers throughout the West Valley who finance specialized medical equipment, community wellness programming, and ongoing neurological research projects.