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A sense of gratitude is what June Hampe feels for her 18-plus years of volunteer service at Norton Children’s Hospital.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities I was given, the patients and families I could support, and I’m grateful that as a parent I raised three children and never had to go through what some of these parents and families go through on a daily basis,” June said.

When June retired from Jefferson County Public Schools in 2007, she said she would volunteer — but she didn’t have a plan. She used the first six months of her retirement to catch up with family and friends, travel and just enjoy a work-free life.

That summer, June and a friend attended a Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation event. June was interested in how she could be of help, so she met with Brenda O’Bryan, volunteer manager, Norton Children’s, to learn more. Within a few days, June was volunteering every Thursday, donning her blue smock, comfortable shoes and a welcoming smile for patients and families.

Early years, June could be found on the floor playing cars or blocks with patients. She also would hold babies in the neonatal intensive care unit who needed extra love while parents were getting much-needed rest or returning to work. Additional tasks included leading group visits and giving out toys or comfort items. June said every Thursday was a different day of opportunity.

Some of her favorite memories as a volunteer are tied to specific patients whom she got to know. If a particular patient was there on a Thursday, the staff knew where to find June: at the child’s bedside playing cards or games to help pass the time. When a patient aged out and transferred to Norton Hospital for adult care, June would walk across the pedway to do it all over again.

“You can’t be in contact with parents and patients, seeing them in their most painful times, raw times, without your heart going out to them. They become people you will never forget,” June said.

While COVID-19 paused in-person volunteering, it didn’t stop June. She continued to give back to Norton Children’s through card-writing.

“The pandemic made a hole in my life. I couldn’t go and support the nurses and families,” June said. “But I bided my time, and as restrictions lifted, I returned.”

June described volunteering as a two-way street: giving her time and talent to the families, patients and staff while also being grateful for the experience and opportunities.

“I’m grateful to have been a part of the place that is ‘Just for Kids’ and that offers amazing care to patients and their families,” June said. The Norton Children’s volunteer workforce encompasses more than 300 talented people ranging in age from 13 to 85. They bring compassion, skills and sometimes, just an extra set of hands to help wherever needed.

 “Volunteers like June are invaluable,” Brenda said. “So many of them make volunteering their second career, and I am grateful they chose Norton Children’s as their place to serve our community. Their service reaches far beyond the bedside because of the impact they leave on each life they touch.”