On July 3, 1912, 11-year-old Margaret Chandler fell ill to a mysterious disease that left her bedridden for a month. The diagnosis revealed infantile paralysis (polio), part of an epidemic that had swept across the world around the turn of the century.
Margaret’s father, the prominent Kansas banker and philanthropist C.Q. Chandler II, searched for assistance locally, but his efforts were unproductive. Choosing to pursue other options, Chandler relocated his family to the East Coast and connected with specialists in rehabilitation and rehabilitation equipment. Once Margaret’s condition stabilized, he brought his family back to Kansas.
The experience left a strong impact on Chandler. He recognized the need to help disabled children whose families were less fortunate than his own. Since Margaret made periodic visits to Philadelphia for treatment, he began to take along other children and paid the full cost for their therapies. In all, 28 children received services due to Chandler’s generosity; but the need continued to increase. Soon, the logistics and costs involved were too great for even his resources.
With the support of Dr. Frank D. Dickson and the local Midian Shrine and Consistory, Chandler’s commitment to humanitarian causes resulted in the founding of the Wichita Orthopedic Clinic in March of 1916. The early successes of this organization attracted other donors and civic organizations, and, inspired by Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, founder of the National Society for Crippled Children, Chandler’s vision began to broaden. In 1926, KSCC was incorporated as a state charitable institution. C.Q. Chandler II was elected president, a position he continued to hold until his death in 1943.
During its early years, KSCC provided direct services to several dozen children annually. As time passed and the need for services continued to grow, however, this number increased. Today, KSCC helps about 100 children every year.
Over the years, the Chandler family has remained an integral part of the organization’s operation. Each generation of the family has assumed a hands-on role within KSCC, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks or is denied hospital, medical, or rehabilitation services.
Today, as always, KSCC receives no funding from any state or federal sources, and is not supported by organizations such as the United Way. All financial support is derived solely from donations, and those donations go directly to the children, providing the medical support they need to reach their potential.
