By helping Comanche County Memorial Hospital extend its services to more of southwest Oklahoma, Lea Ann Chandler believes she has found her calling.
Beginning her career with CCMHF as a Fund Development Specialist in 2014, her ability to develop professional relationships and raise funds for the hospital allowed her to become the foundation’s executive director just two years later.
While the hospital has many generous supporters, Chandler explained that many times donors designate funds to certain projects. With those resources appropriated, the Foundation must raise money to help with other programs and operating expenses.
One initiative is to add a fleet of nonemergency transport vehicles. The Foundation raised $41,000 toward the $125,000 project total to provide transportation to rural patients.
“We’ll be able to bring patients into Lawton who may not have transportation,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to have three transport vehicles, one of which will be wheelchair accessible.”
Currently helping the hospital meet multiple objectives, in addition to the raising money for the hospital’s general fund, Chandler and the Foundation are working to expand the hospital’s cardiovascular health program and the Starlight Children’s Fund.
After CCMH earned Advanced Certification for Primary Heart Attack Centers by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association, “to expand Southwest Oklahoma’s most comprehensive heart health program,” Chandler committed the Foundation to raise one million dollars for a $2.7 million transaortic valve replacement project. It will allow doctors to perform less evasive valve replacement procedures and will require less recovery time.
Anticipating the 15th annual Starlight Country Concert set for March 28, Chandler said the foundation has exciting news to share during the event. The Starlight Children’s Fund encompasses the hospital’s pediatric department, labor and delivery, women’s services and Southwest Oklahoma’s only neonatal intensive care unit.
“We want people to come out and support a great cause,” she said.
Chandler, a Ninnekah native, grew up on a Charolias cattle ranch and participated in FFA. After graduating from Chickasha High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education with a minor in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University.
Her husband Erick and their daughters share her love for animals – especially cattle. Josie, age 11 and Aubrey, age 5, are both active in 4H, showing heifers and steers.
“It’s great to see them in 4H,” said Chandler. “I’m so proud of them.”