January Elk of the Month — Dr. Jason Begalke
Submitted by Karen Seaman, Exalted Ruler
Dr. Jason Begalke was born in Chi-Town, Illinois, and at just one year of age his family relocated to Geneva, Ohio, where his father worked as an accountant. The family later moved to the neighboring town of Madison, Ohio, where Jason spent the remainder of his childhood and middle school years.
Jason went on to attend The Ohio State University, earning undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Economics. After graduation, his family had already relocated to Arizona, and Jason followed them west to pursue his medical education. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, and completed his Anesthesiology residency at the Detroit Medical Center.
Following his residency, Jason returned to Phoenix and joined Global Anesthesiology, later transferring to Deer Valley Anesthesiology Group, where he spent 10 years, serving as Medical Director and managing the anesthesiology division. When 2020 arrived with its devastation and loss, Jason worked tirelessly through the pandemic. Afterward, he made the important decision to focus on self-care and spent several months traveling throughout Europe, visiting the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Vatican City, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Slovakia, Portugal, and Slovenia.
While Jason continues his work as an anesthesiologist, his true passion lies in helping children with life-threatening diagnoses. He has been actively involved with HopeKids since 2014, raising funds and creating memorable experiences for families. He serves as a volunteer board member and helps organize events such as ZooLights for HopeKids and Cars for HopeKids, a fundraising car show where both spectators and participating vehicles contribute to this worthy cause.
Jason is also a dedicated car enthusiast, with a special appreciation for BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Volvos — a passion that blends perfectly with his work on Cars for HopeKids, where his love of automobiles helps drive creativity and generosity in support of children and families in need.
Since becoming an Elk in 2024, Jason has been an outstanding contributor to Phoenix Elks Lodge #335. His involvement includes Hoop Shoot, Thanksgiving Baskets, Christmas Shopping with an Elk, Soccer, Youth Week, Safety Night, and extensive computer and technical support alongside Jeff Beasley, our Esteemed Lecturing Knight, as well as numerous youth-focused activities.
Jason has shared that his favorite part of being an Elk is community outreach, and his actions consistently reflect that belief. His dedication, generosity, and willingness to serve make him a tremendous asset to our Lodge. Congratulations, Jason!
Originally published in the February 2026 Tracks newsletter of Phoenix Elks Lodge #335. Read the full issue (PDF).
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