Published: May 29, 2018 | Updated: June 13, 2019
My name is Amanda Trautwein. I’m 17 years old and a senior at Butler Traditional High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Since I was 11, I’ve volunteered at Children’s Hospital Foundation events, on Norton Children’s Hospital floors and the hospital gift shop. I’ve been a part of the Summer Teen Program as well. I have been part of Teen Board with Norton Children’s Hospital since my freshman year.
I always love bringing a smile to a child’s face I started volunteering at Norton Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Foundation events because I have a strong passion toward making a difference in the lives of patients and families. I want to pursue a career in pediatric oncology/hematology, hopefully as a doctor at Norton Children’s Hospital.
Being part of Teen Board for Norton Children’s Hospital for the past four years has made an impact on my life in many ways. I’ve been able to volunteer at many Children’s Hospital Foundation events. I’ve been able to participate in developing different fundraising initiatives. I’ve made great friends and learned more ways that I can get involved with Norton Children’s Hospital.
I am very proud to say that I was part of accomplishing these Teen Board goals and achievements in 2017 and 2018: • We raised over $15,000 for the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center • We completed over 1,200 volunteer hours
The Teen Board plans to raise more money for the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center as well as complete more volunteer hours by the end of this year.
Applications accepted through July 23, 2018 at 11:59 p.m.
During the 2016-2017 school year, the Teen Board and teen ambassadors raised $9,068 for the Adolescent and Young Adult Unit as well. Our fundraising goal was $7,000 for the project, one of the board’s major goals. The Adolescent and Young Adult Unit is located on 7 West (cancer unit) at Norton Children’s Hospital. It provides adolescents and young adults facing cancer with age-appropriate resources.
The Teen Board also organized a pancake breakfast at Heitzman Bakery. The event was very successful and funds went to the Adolescent and Young Adult Unit. Another accomplishment that Teen Board and the teen ambassadors are most proud of is that we completed over 1,080 volunteer hours last year.
If you’re looking for a great opportunity to get involved in your community, being part of Teen Board is a very special way to do it. When I heard about Teen Board, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to apply when I was old enough.
Being part of Teen Board is a great opportunity to collaborate with other teens that have the same interests as you, and make new friends! Teen Board is a very special organization to be part of because of the connection that you build toward wanting to help the patients and families at Norton Children’s Hospital. Being part of Teen Board is also a great opportunity to discover different areas of the medical field. We have had guest speakers come to Teen Board meetings to speak to us about the area of the medical field they work in. Being part of Teen Board is life-changing!