Inspiration, loss and seeing a need drives donor-volunteer’s advocacy for Children’s Health

Lynn Drawbridge, a longtime volunteer and donor at Children’s Health^SM, gladly answered questions about how she found her way to the hospital and why she chose to give back. Proudly wearing the blue Children’s Health volunteer uniform and waiting for her afternoon shift to begin, she spoke with a warmth and conviction that made her passion for making life better for children almost tangible. As she shared her story — one shaped by inspiration, loss and a deep belief in giving back — her commitment to the hospital’s mission was unmistakable.

Her two daughters, who first inspired her to volunteer, have also found their own calling at Children’s Health. One serves as a child life assistant and facility dog handler, brightening patient stays and caring for one of the beloved therapy dogs that are part of the Pet Therapy program — both services, which are supported by philanthropy, are central to what makes Children’s Health the difference in patient care.

Her other daughter is an attending physician in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at both Children’s Medical Center Dallas and Plano, overseeing medical teams, developing treatment plans and making final decisions in critical moments.

As Lynn reflected on more than a decade of service and support, her story unfolded naturally into a conversation — one that felt as if you were sitting beside her, listening in.

Q: How did you get involved with Children’s Health?

Lynn: My two daughters were in high school volunteering at a different hospital. The joy I saw on their faces once they came home was unforgettable. I told myself, “Once they graduate and I’m an empty-nester, I’ll find a place where I can volunteer my time.” And Children’s Health was the only place I looked. A family-friend’s daughter was treated for leukemia here — and unfortunately, she passed away — but my circle had talked so highly about the hospital that I decided this is where I’ll start. Without ever stepping inside the hospital, I applied, interviewed and was asked to come on board. It’ll be my 13^th year come 2026.

Q: What support do you provide as a volunteer?

Lynn: I volunteer in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, so I hold and comfort babies when parents can’t be there, or the nurses are busy. I sing and read to them. Sometimes I’ll hold a baby for an entire shift if that’s what’s needed so the nurses can continue to care for them while they’re being comforted.

Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Children’s Health?

Lynn: I enjoy how I feel after spending time at the hospital. I think about how I helped someone that day, whether it was a nurse or a patient family. Volunteering and making life better for children is like my therapy. I’m helping patients, but they’re also helping me. I know that I’m doing something good.

Q: What inspired you to donate to Children’s Health?

Lynn: Decades ago, my niece, Kara, was born with cerebral palsy. She spent a lot of time at a different pediatric hospital many miles away, but I remembered how much she loved her care team, the volunteers and the services offered. She passed away at 17 from a heart condition. To honor her memory, I began donating to Children’s Health on her birthday or Christmas Day.

Q: You designate your donations to the greatest needs at Children’s Health — will you share why?

Lynn: I trust the people who work here. I trust they know best where the money is needed. I know the needs could change from month to month because things happen. Sometimes I think there’s a misconception about giving back to Children’s Health. You might think you have to give a huge amount, but any amount — no matter how big or small you think your gift might be — is needed. Every dollar helps.

Q: Why have you continued to donate to Children’s Health all these years?

Lynn: For me, it’s the right thing to do, and I want to help these kids in a different way. Children’s Health has needs and I believe since I can donate, I should.

Q: You’re working on leaving a planned gift to Children’s Health. To you, what makes this gift different from your regular giving?

Lynn: It’s allowing my family to make a bigger impact than we’d be able to with a regular donation.

Q: What kind of impact do you hope your gifts have on patients and families?

Lynn: I hope it will impact them directly and indirectly. Whether it helps with new medical equipment — something a patient family might not think about — or with events like Cape Day, when every patient is given a cape to recognize their superhero bravery, I know my gifts to Children’s Health, along with everyone else’s, will make a huge difference.