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SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation SaintsForward Newsletter Summer 2026

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SaintsForward SUMMER 2026

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VOLUME 65

Honoring a Saints Legacy Celebrating Ann Noble Brown

Challenge Grant for Shawnee Cancer Center Love Family Entrance construction update POP! 2026 lifts spirits An Update from Joe Hodges L-R - Marianne Rooney, Randy Brown, Susan Brown


Honoring a Saints Legacy:

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation’s $2 million gift celebrates Ann Noble Brown For Ann Noble Brown, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital was more than a hospital. It was where her story began. Born at St. Anthony Hospital as a “Saints Baby,” Ann’s connection to SSM Health St. Anthony spanned a lifetime. It was also where she and her husband, Dr. David Brown, built the foundation of their young family during his years serving as an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff.

Their children, Randy Brown, Susan Brown, and Marianne Rooney, were all born at St. Anthony Hospital and grew up accompanying their father on hospital rounds, creating cherished memories of the caregivers and sisters who made SSM Health St. Anthony such a special place.

Ann Noble Brown (center) sits among other Noble Board of Directors members, from left: C.C. Forbes, Edgar Holt, Sam Noble, Ann Noble Brown, Ed Noble, Dr. A.A. Kemnitz and James Thompson - Sept. 12, 1955.


Today, that enduring connection has inspired a transformational $2 million gift from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, made in honor of Ann Noble Brown, to support critical renovations of the St. Anthony Hospital Tower and enhancements to Joyful Beginnings, ensuring exceptional care for mothers, babies, and families for generations to come.

“St. Anthony is woven into the story of our family,” said Marianne Rooney. “Our mother was born here, all three of us were born here, and some of our earliest memories are of spending time at the hospital with our father and meeting the sisters. Being able to honor our mother by supporting a place that meant so much to her and our family is incredibly meaningful.”

For her family, supporting Joyful Beginnings feels especially fitting. “Our mother loved babies and loved making people feel cared for and welcome,” said Susan Brown. “She was known in our family as the baby whisperer, and she would be thrilled to know that this gift will help support mothers and babies at the very place where she was born and where each of us began our own lives”. “Supporting St. Anthony is a wonderful way to honor her legacy of kindness, generosity and caring for others,” Randy Brown added. This investment will also support vital renovations to the St. Anthony Hospital Tower, helping ensure that patients across Oklahoma continue to receive high-quality care in a healing, compassionate environment.

Ann and David Brown shared a deep commitment to serving others. Together, they lived lives marked by generosity, often extending help quietly and without recognition. Their children recall parents who led by example, demonstrating compassion, kindness and a sincere desire to improve the lives of those around them. Ann carried those same values into her decades of service with the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s vision while faithfully carrying forward the legacy established by her father, Lloyd Noble. Known for her warmth and hospitality, Ann had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. Friends and colleagues remember her as thoughtful, purposeful, and kind.

L-R - Marianne Rooney, Susan Brown, Randy Brown

Through this generous gift, Ann Noble Brown’s legacy lives on in the very place where her life began, where her family grew and where countless Oklahoma families will continue to receive care. Her spirit of kindness, service, and quiet generosity will be reflected in every mother comforted, every baby welcomed, and every patient served for years to come.


Board of Directors Cindy Batt Chair Jim Trent Vice Chair Julie Naifeh Treasurer/Secretary Linda Whittington Past Chair Directors Salima Ahmad, MD Julie Bartley-Johnson Jerry Bendorf Philip Busey, Jr. Justin Byrne Phil Clayton Lawrence H. Davis Paul W. Dudman David Egan Jamie Farha Glenn Floresca Susie Fuller Suzette Hatfield Jeffrey Hirsch, MD Wade B. Huckabay Eric Joiner Michael J. Milligan Anthony Nguyen, DDS Kim O’Connor Elizabeth Roberts Trent L. Roberts Elizabeth Taylor-Semtner Randy Stalcup Becky Taylor Governor David Walters Chuck Walworth Avis Scaramucci (Director Emerita)

Foundation Staff Lynann Sterk-Brooks Regional Vice President, Philanthropy Randy Cassimus, CFRE Annual Giving Director Rose Faherty Major Gifts Director Stephen Howard Philanthropy Services Manager Russell Davis Executive Assistant To no longer receive communications, please call 405-272-7070 or email saintsfoundation@ssmhealth.com.

A message from SSM Health, Oklahoma Regional President

Joe Hodges In this issue of Saints Forward, we are excited to share with you updates on ways we are advancing care at SSM Health in Oklahoma, thanks to your generosity and steadfast support of our Mission. Your commitment allows us to provide exceptional care, invest in innovative programs and technology, and strengthen the health of the communities we serve. Together, we have much to celebrate. This year, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital advanced from a 3-Star to a 4-Star rating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. This achievement places us among the top one-third of hospitals nationwide and demonstrates our commitment to safe, exceptional, patient-centered care. Our physicians, nurses, and team members earned this recognition through improvements across multiple quality measures, including mortality and readmission outcomes, infection prevention, and patient safety performance. While we celebrate this milestone, we continue to pursue even higher levels of excellence as we set our sights on achieving a 5-Star rating, the highest CMS star rating. Our teams also earned several other notable recognitions. Newsweek named SSM Health St. Anthony an America’s Best Maternity Hospital for the second consecutive year, recognizing the outstanding care we provide to mothers and babies. Forbes recognized the hospital on its first ever Top Hospital 2026 list, a prestigious recognition that highlights excellence in patient care and outcome across the nation. In addition, the American Heart Association honored our comprehensive

stroke program with a Get With The Guidelines® 2026 Gold Plus Award for using the most up-to-date evidencebased treatment guidelines and improving patient outcomes. Outside the Oklahoma City area, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee earned recognition in the national industry publication Becker’s Hospital Review, for hospital cleanliness, patient communication, and low readmission rates. The hospital also received the Healthgrades 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award. SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Midwest earned recognition from Becker’s for achieving some of the nation’s lowest rates of catheterassociated urinary tract infections, reflecting its strong commitment to patient safety and quality outcomes. Our Mission, Vision, and Values drive every decision we make and every patient interaction we have. The awards are not our motivation. Still, we appreciate seeing respected national organizations recognize the dedication, compassion, and excellence our caregivers demonstrate every day. Results like these are only possible through your generosity and partnership, and we are grateful to have your support. With sincere gratitude,

Joe Hodges Chief Operations Executive Regional President, Oklahoma and Mid-Missouri


$250K challenge grant announced for Shawnee Cancer Center The SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation recently announced a $250,000 dollar-for-dollar challenge grant from The Paul Milburn Gift Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, established in honor of Paul and Ann Milburn, to support the renovation and expansion of the Cancer Center at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee. The project will transform the Cancer Center into a more welcoming, efficient, and healing environment while increasing access to advanced cancer treatment for patients across Pottawatomie, Seminole, Lincoln, and surrounding rural counties. The renovation will include a significant expansion of the infusion center, improvements to patient waiting and treatment areas, enhanced clinical workflows, and upgraded technology designed to improve both patient outcomes and the overall care experience. Once completed, the project will allow more patients to receive lifesaving treatment close to home, reducing the need for lengthy travel during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

“The generosity of The Paul Milburn Gift Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation represents far more than a financial investment,” said Angi Mohr, President of SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee. “It is an investment in hope for every patient and family who walks through our doors. This challenge grant will help accelerate our efforts to create a Cancer Center that reflects the exceptional care our patients deserve.” The announcement builds on the momentum of the Foundation’s community-wide campaign to complete funding for the Cancer Center renovation. Earlier this year, the Avedis Foundation committed $3 million toward the project, providing transformational support for the first phases of construction. The Milburn Challenge Grant now offers the community an opportunity to multiply the impact of every contribution and help bring the project across the finish line. For more information, call the Foundation office at 405-272-7070 or visit givetossmhealth.org/ShawneeCancerCenter.


West Entrance Update

Construction of the Love Family Entrance at St. Anthony Hospital continues… Exciting! The Love Family Entrance project continues to reach important construction milestones. Installations of the stairwell, elevator lobby, and pedestrian tunnel deck have been completed, and CMU block installation in the elevator shafts is nearing the finish line. Earthwork for the new corridor connector is now complete, with underground HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems currently being installed. Attention is now turning to the corridor connector itself, with the steel structure scheduled for completion in September and the ground-level slab expected to be poured between September and November. A special beam-signing and topping-off ceremony celebrating this progress is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at the construction site. The project remains on schedule for completion in Spring of 2027.

Above- The elevator shaft CMU block installation is nearly complete. Left - Crews work to install underground plumbing.


Tauseef Ali, MD, Director, Crohn’s and Colitis Center of Excellence, interviews IBD Day participants

IBD Day highlights Saints experts On Saturday, April 25, 2026, SSM Health’s Digestive Care – Crohn’s & Colitis Center hosted its annual gathering of inflammatory bowel disease patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers for a day of learning and connecting. The IBD Day event, held at the OK Contemporary Arts Center, provided opportunity to hear the latest information and resources on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Guest speakers with expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases presented and discussed topics such as risk factors for IBD, managing Crohn’s and colitis and reviewing newer therapies, as well as the role of surgery in the management of these illnesses. Dr. Robert Rader was the keynote speaker and presented on the “Power of Partnership” in healthcare. The event again featured a contest of topical artwork created by high school and college students.

With preparations continuing for the establishment of Oklahoma’s first Comprehensive Digestive Care Center at St. Anthony – including a nationally recognized Crohn’s and Colitis Center with programs dedicated to colon cancer screening, advanced endoscopy services and other critical digestive care needs – this educational event was exceptionally important to the advancement of knowledge of these critical topics. If you wish to learn more about how to support the Digestive Care Center, call 405-272-7070.

The IBD Day event featured a contest for college and high school student artists


Appreciating our donors Varietal spirits and festive bubbles of all types marked the Foundation’s annual POP! donor appreciation event held June 18th at the OK Contemporary Arts Center. Sponsored by Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, BancFirst, Dewberry & Hubbard, TSO Optical and Mitchener-Farrand, the champagne and spirits-tasting event featured high-end and hard-to-find whiskeys, tequilas, wines, champagnes and much, much more, presented in a fun, contemporary atmosphere. DJ LiteBrite brought the beats and Kam’s Kookery provided the eats. Attendees included Circle of Care level and above donors, Foundation volunteers and community leaders. If you want to know more about Foundation giving levels, call 405-272-7070 or visit GiveToSaints.com.


Leadership spotlight:

Mandy Hayes-Chandler Regional General Counsel for SSM Health in Oklahoma & Mid-Missouri

Many people may not realize the role a Regional General Counsel plays in a mission-driven organization. How would you describe your role, and how does your work help advance SSM Health’s Mission and Vision? Many people think of in-house lawyers as being focused primarily on medical malpractice and risk management. However, my role as Regional General Counsel is neither and much broader than that. My responsibility is to help the organization navigate complex legal, regulatory, and ethical challenges while supporting leaders, caregivers, and physicians in delivering exceptional care. That means providing practical guidance on matters, including: regulatory requirements, strategic initiatives, law enforcement matters, end of life legal and ethical challenges, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, healthcare compliance, attorney client privileged investigations, provider contracts, medical staff issues, patient care issues and governance. My role and the role of my department is to serve as steward of SSM Health’s legal responsibilities and our Mission so that, collectively, we can fulfill our calling to provide compassionate, high-quality care, especially for those who are the most vulnerable. We help advance the Mission by ensuring we can provide care in a way that is legally sound, ethically responsible, and aligned with our Catholic heritage and values. What was the career path that led you to your current position, and what inspired you to pursue a career in health care law? What has been consistent throughout my life is a deep passion for advocating for others, particularly vulnerable and marginalized individuals. When I began college at the University of Oklahoma, I was drawn to health care and initially planned to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). A couple years into my studies, I realized I was equally fascinated by the law, and I found myself pulled between both fields and, ultimately, changed

my major. As I neared completion of my Master of Health Administration (MHA) at the OU Health Sciences Center, I learned about a dual MHA/JD track. It was a pivotal moment for me and my future path began to take shape. Suddenly, I had a clear vision of how I could align my interests in health care, law, and advocacy into a meaningful career. What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your career at Saints, and how did it reinforce the importance of our Mission? It is impossible for me to identify a single most rewarding moment, however I can say that I am consistently moved by the people who have dedicated their lives to the Mission. What has kept me at SSM Health for more than 25 years is not only the Mission itself, but also the privilege of serving alongside people who are equally committed to it. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and accomplished things that none of us could have achieved alone. One of the things I find most rewarding is when the compassion, excellence, and dedication that exist inside our organization are reflected in the physical environment. Our St. Anthony Hospital Midtown campus is a perfect example. The extraordinary anonymous donation that is funding the renovation of our patient floors, in conjunction with the long-awaited transformation of our main entrance, to which many donors have contributed, represents so much more than just a construction project. These improvements will positively impact our patients, families, and staff for years to come. It is exciting to see our facilities transform in a way that reflects the exceptional care and healing ministry taking place within our walls every day, or as I like to say, “letting the outside us reflect the inside us”. What do you enjoy most about working at Saints, and what makes this organization special to you? Two things: the Mission and the team. I truly believe that everyone working in our ministries believes in the Mission and seeks to live it out every day. The Mission is our North-Star.


Thank You for Your Generosity! Philanthropy plays a vital role in continuing our Mission of providing exceptional, compassionate healthcare in our communities. You are a part of our lifesaving work, and we are grateful for you. We are honored to recognize your generosity here. The list below reflects donors who made a tribute gift between July 1 and December 31, 2025.

For the full list of donors, visit givetossmhealth.org/SaintsDonors or scan the QR code.

Gifts made in memory of individuals: In memory of Mrs. Lucille Ackerman Ms. Linda Whittington

In memory of Mrs. Sandra S. La Plant Mr. Thomas J. La Plant

In memory of Mr. Frederick Roloff Mrs. Joan C. Libro

In memory of Gladys P. Albertson Mrs. Sol Albertson

In memory of Mr. Otis C. Laskey Sr. Ms. Angela Laskey

In memory of Raymond Leslie Rose Jr., MD Sharon Rose

In memory of Ms. Marie Farnik Ms. Mary Ann Farnik

In memory of Ms. Theodora Lassiter Ms. Shelly Shomber

In memory of Mr. David Sims Mrs. Carol L. Sims

In memory of Ms. Deloris Hinkle Brenda and Jessee Lockwood

In memory of Mrs. Judy M. Love Mrs. Joan S. Maguire

In memory of Rod, Tom and Dan Valley Ms. Jeanne P. Valley

In memory of San & Khanh Hoang Mai Muse

In memory of Florentino & Delia Mendez Mrs. Maria Wallace

In memory of Mr. Ron Wallace Mrs. Maria Wallace

In memory of Penny Hoskinson City of Cedar Park, Development Services Ms. Mary Gum Ms. Shirley Guyton Mr. Michael Hoskinson Rosanna Wallace

In memory of Ms. Geneva Navarro Ms. Joan Jojola

In memory of Ms. Alice Whittington Julie & Rick Naifeh

In memory of Mr. Jeff Lair James L. Lewis Danny Woodyard

In memory of Mrs. Mildred Osborne Mr. Harold W. Osborne Jr. In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Reding Ms. Agnes C. Daniel


Gifts made in honor of our Saints in Action: In honor of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Inc. Priscilla M. Clark In honor of Saadia N. Chohan, MD Mr. Raymond L. Jordan In honor of Dustin Davis Ms. Alison Acker Bob & Diana Acker Mr. Jimmy Belobraydic Ms. Shannon Caldwell Mr. Michael Camp Mrs. Kelli Davis Ms. Carly Freeman Mr. Paul Hiel Ms. Cheryl Keeley Donna & David Parks Ms. Cynthia J. Robertson Michael & Lauren Schraad Regan Schraad

In honor of Ms. Sneha Kakkuzihiyil Mr. Abraham V. Kakkuzihiyil

In honor of Dr. John Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Burton

In honor of Dr. Keith Kassabian Ms. Deborah Stratton

In honor of Dr. Stephanie Taylor Lynann Sterk-Brooks & Brandon Brooks

In honor of Dr. James Kirk Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mueller

In honor of Dr. Robert Treadwell Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mueller

In honor of Thelma M. Mitchell, FSM Dennis & Jackie Trepagnier

In honor of Dr. Randee Walck-Coetzee Mr. Raymond L. Jordan

In honor of Ms. Heather Mosley Ms. Deborah Stratton

In honor of Ms. Pamela Welchel Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Bendorf

In honor of Dr. Son Nguyen and Dr. Thy Nguyen Ms. Gayla Machell

In honor of Dr. Allan Weston Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mueller

In honor of Dr. Robert Rader Lynann Sterk-Brooks & Brandon Brooks

In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Davis Mr. Nathaniel Harding

In honor of Sandy J. Schwartz, FSM Dennis & Jackie Trepagnier

In honor of Dr. Timothy Eldridge Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mueller

In honor of Dr. Daniel Skelly Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mueller

In honor of Sudhir K. Gupta, MD Avedis Foundation

In honor of Mrs. Lynann Sterk-Brooks and Mr. Brandon Brooks NDRT Enterprises, LLC

In honor of Dr. June Ivey Ms. Gayla Machell

In honor of Ms. Linda Whittington Lynann Sterk-Brooks & Brandon Brooks In honor of Dr. Jeremy Wynn Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mueller

$400K gift to support bedside nurses SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation recently received an anonymous gift of $400,000 to support the addition of bedside Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Nurse Externs at SSM Health owned and affiliate-managed rural hospitals in Oklahoma. Health care workers, particularly in rural areas, are critical to the ongoing health of our state’s population. This generous gift will help expand access to care in underserved communities while also giving nurses valuable diverse clinical exposure.


Here’s Looking at You, Saints! Saints Ball, the SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation’s annual fundraiser, returns to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum on Friday, November 6th. This year’s theme is “Casablanca: Here’s Looking at You, Saints!” and will lean into not only the classic 1942 film (think debonair white jackets & fedoras) but also the Moroccan location as well (colorful saris, tiles, etc.). The evening features dinner, live and silent auctions, engaging activities, live entertainment and dancing. The co-chairs of Saints Ball 2026 are Katie & Dr. Matthew Jared and Nancy & Randy Stalcup. Proceeds will support the completion of the St. Anthony Hospital Patient Tower renovation and advance other Saints Forward campaign initiatives. The goal for this year’s event is to raise $750,000. The Foundation has been raising funds for patient care for more than 60 years, and the annual fall event has been integral to raising funds for St. Anthony for more than 30 years.

Sponsorships for the 2026 Saints Ball are currently available at all levels. Purchase at givetossmhealth.org/ saintsball or call 405-272-7070.

©2026 SSM Health. All rights reserved. FOUN-OK-24-2019462-R06 8/26

SUMMER 2026

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VOLUME 65

SaintsForward 601 NW 11th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73103


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