Lauri Tanner (left), president and CEO of Ranken Jordan, and Susan Walker, great-niece of hospital founder Mary Ranken Jordan, interact with a patient during Walker’s first visit to the hospital.

Walker traveled from England to learn more about her family’s legacy of providing rehabilitation and treatment services for seriously ill and injured children regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Ranken Jordan, which opened its doors April 9, 1941, under the supervision of Clay and Mary to provide for children suffering from polio and scoliosis. With advances in technology the need for convalescence from such illnesses were no longer needed; however, Ranken Jordan did not close their doors, but evolved to respond to different needs.

Clay and Mary left behind a grand legacy that has continued to bless countless children from a wide range of illnesses and complications. Susan Walker was finally able see her great-aunt's incredible work and dedication to better the lives of children--which continues to run in the family.