Living Legacy
"This is our Hospital, it is where we are going to go if we need help," said the late Dan Rondberg on numerous occasions and is why he and his wife, Lois Lee, have been loyal volunteers and supporters of Chandler Regional Medical Center over the years. At a critical time in their lives, Dan remembered the "quick action at Chandler Regional" that saved Lois Lee. She arrived by ambulance at Chandler Regional. The emergency physician quickly ordered an MRI and immediately thereafter had her on the Air Evac helicopter headed to Barrow Neurological Center for life-saving treatment. Lois Lee suffered a stroke, yet today continues to enjoy life.
Always willing and eager to give back to the community, the Rondbergs became part of the Living Legacy program at the CHW Foundation – East Valley. With their selfless gift, the hospital is ensured of continuing funds--funds that will go toward more life-saving equipment, education, and services for both Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers. The Rondbergs strongly encourage seniors to considering joining Living Legacy program--as they have--to improve the health of the East Valley community.
How did Dan and Lois Lee become unselfish humanitarians? For one thing, they both sprung forth from adventurous heritage--parents who worked hard and knew the importance of helping and serving as well. Both Dan's and Lois Lee's parents immigrated to the United States from Russia. Lois Lee's father was born in a village on the Russian/Polish border and arrived in America completely alone when he was only 12 years old. He served his adopted country in World War I under General Pershing in France. Despite earning the opportunity for a pension, he steadfastly refused to apply for a government pension in later years. He said he loved America too much to accept money for fighting for her. Obviously the Rondbergs had significant role models in supporting the community and teamwork. Dan's years in the military service also ingrained a sense of duty and service to country and community.
During his final year in high school, Dan passed the test for Naval Officers Training School. During his second tour of duty at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, he met Lois Lee, a very popular "little beauty." Dan served in the Navy and the Naval Reserve for 18 years.
