Gil and Izzy split their time between Scottsdale, Agua Prieta and Flagstaff. And so, Gil is reentering the Scottsdale scene, determined to lay the groundwork for a future without him. Last fall, he hired community leader Donna Valdés as Rancho Feliz’s first CEO while he continues as its president on a messianic mission to share its story with the world. “I’ve done this for 40 years. I don’t have children of my own,” Gil said. “To me, raising children is the largest service project you can possibly do. I waived that and did this instead. So I’m hopeful we can find people of enthusiasm and resiliency who can take this project on, because it’s all in place.” He’s been thinking about this a lot lately — his place in the world — here in his house with Izuru by his side. “I don’t know how I could do it without her,” he said, describing the enormous leveling effect she’s had on his life. Gil didn’t remarry until he was 63, after Izzy waltzed into a Bikram hot yoga class. “She’s from Japan. Talk about the yin and the yang,” he said. “She runs the little tienda at Rancho Feliz and decorates the rooms. She’s an amazing partner and has been a gift.” Gil is grateful for his abundant life, but it’s not posturing to say that he is anxious — really anxious — to get his message out. He recently finished writing a book called “Hope on the Border,” an edgy manifesto that lays his beliefs on the line. His message is clear: Service isn’t sacrifice. It’s salvation. “The purpose and joy I have gotten from Rancho Feliz far exceeds my business successes. I really do believe when we are in service to others, God or spirit or whatever you’re more comfortable with reveals itself to those with a higher purpose,” he said. “The most selfish thing that we can do is serve.” To learn more, go to ranchofeliz.com . Photo by Scott Foust 32 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

Launched in 2004, the Children’s Cancer Network fashion show features children dealing with cancer and their siblings. FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 33 BY TOM EVANS A Journey of Healing For the Luttrell Family, founding the Children’s Cancer Network was personal P eople often talk about cancer in terms of it being a journey. For the Luttrell family, that journey has included some complex twists and turns — but created something amazing along the way. Patti and Steve Luttrell are the founders of Children’s Cancer Network, a nonprofit that has been serving children with cancer and their families for more than two decades. In August 1993, their 5-year-old son Jeff was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Over the next seven years, Jeff endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant — and four relapses. After nine cancer-free years, he developed a secondary cancer — squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue — which returned when he was 25. Inspired to help others in a similar situation, Jeff’s sister Jenny worked to put on a fashion show for children with cancer and their siblings to raise both spirits and funds. The show’s success led to the creation of Children’s Cancer Network. Now, more than two decades in, the Luttrells and Children’s Cancer Network are experiencing new pathways in their journey. The world is five years removed from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ripple effects are just now starting to resolve themselves for Children’s Cancer Network. NEXT DOORS