Lexington Medical Center Foundation (LMCF) provides hope to patients, their families, and community members during some of life’s most vulnerable moments – a responsibility that LMCF Executive Director Amy Lanier has helped lead for the past eight years.
“The mission of the hospital is to provide the best patient care and access throughout our community. The Foundation enhances this mission through coming alongside and providing services to those who need them,” said Lanier.
LMCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established nearly 35 years ago in 1990. Today the Foundation’s programs have expanded to Cancer Care, Mother-Baby Care, Cardiac-Care, Patient Care, Community Care, and Employee Care – each program providing resources, support, care packages, and other services to those who need them.
“The Foundation can step in and assist if there are any barriers. It is our honor to fulfill those needs. I get emotional about this, but we want to help patients realize that others care, pray, and are there for them,” said Lanier.
Throughout her years with the Foundation, Lanier has seen first-hand how its programs have benefited both patients and employees. “When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they’re given a care bag that is completely funded by the foundation’s donors. I recently received a message from someone who was diagnosed, and they said, ‘In this dark valley, this is something I needed. It gave me hope.’”
In another instance, she recalled, the Foundation was able to help grant a wish of a cancer patient whose daughter was graduating from high school. “Our patient wanted to go to his daughter’s graduation, and we were able to plan so that he would be healthy and safe while not at the hospital. He was able to go and now that he’s passed on, the family has talked about what a treasure it was to give him that gift of time with his family.”
Hospital employees also benefit from the Foundation’s Employee Care program which includes providing counseling when it is needed. “If we have an employee in crisis – they may have had a catastrophic event with a diagnosis of cancer, or their home might have burned down. We are able to assist those with qualified requests by helping with household bills to help them get through their difficult journey.”
Lanier explained that a unique aspect of Lexington Medical Center she wants to emphasize is that the hospital handles operations costs. “Our hospital makes sure that they handle our operating costs, salaries, and ongoing operational needs. So that means that we get to utilize 100% of donors’ gifts.”
Lanier said she looks forward to continuing to lead the Foundation in serving the community. “My biggest duty is mentoring our team. I’m proud to be able to support them and have tools for the employees in my area to be able to talk to donors and board members about the mission of the hospital — to provide the best patient care to the community.”
Lanier and her husband, Robert, have three children, two grandchildren, and two dogs. They enjoy spending time with family and boating at their vacation home in St. Helena, SC.