Is she Superwoman? Honoring Kathy Cook
TMC Health
·
09/18/2025
Is she Superwoman? Absolutely, no doubt about it.
For thirteen years, Kathy Cook, a trustee of the Northern Cochise Community Hospital (NCCH) Foundation, now the TMC Health Foundation, has poured her heart and soul into creating, organizing, and hosting the annual "Boots & Bling" fundraiser. Her dedication has helped ensure that NCCH can continue to provide top-tier care to the Willcox and surrounding communities.
Kathy’s involvement with the hospital began in 2009 when she was elected to the District Board, and she later joined the Corporate Board of the hospital. Recognizing NCCH’s financial struggles and need for upgrades, she proposed the idea of a foundation to raise funds through memorial donations and other efforts. By 2012, Kathy had established the Northern Cochise Community Hospital Foundation and the following year, she started the first "Boots & Bling" event, which raised $44,000 in its first year.
Since then, Kathy has set higher goals each year. Through her leadership and collaboration with local businesses and she has raised over $1.1 million directly benefitting the hospital.
A lifesaving legacy
Kathy’s efforts have had a profound positive impact through the funds raised enabling NCCH to purchase vital equipment and make critical improvements, including:
- A CT Scanner: The hospital would have lost its Level 4 Trauma Center status without a new CT Scanner. The nearest Level 1 trauma center is over 100 miles away, making the ability to diagnose and stabilize patients at NCCH a critical lifesaving service .
- Dramatic facilities improvements: Remodeled emergency room, upgraded inpatient furniture and soon, a new hospital exterior.
- An Automated Medication Dispenser: Critical equipment that has prevented medical errors and can save lives.
- Improved Patient Care: Vein illuminators, an ultrasound machine, interfaced vital monitoring machines, a defibrillator for the emergency department, a central telemetry system, EKG machine and a Lucas CPR device are key purchases that allow for better, more dynamic patient services.
Kathy’s dedication extends beyond just fundraising. She is also the treasurer of the NCCH Auxiliary and volunteers her time working at the hospital. Her commitment to service also includes her involvement with the Lambda Chi Omega - Beta Chapter sorority, which raises money for local organizations like the Willcox Community Food Pantry, the Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots.
Kathy’s impact is truly immeasurable, and her legacy is nothing short of legendary. She's not just a force of nature, she's a force for good and her work continues to make a tremendous difference for the people of Willcox. At the 2025 Boots & Bling, Mayor Hancock proclaimed September 6th as “Kathy Cook Day” and presented Kathy with a framed proclamation. The room erupted into a standing ovation.
Kathy… a legend and Superwoman!
Want to find out more about “Boots and Bling”? Visit the website
