Jane Moore Tells Her Story as a Children's Hospital Volunteer

In Her Own Words

Like so many others, I always thought I understood the importance of East Tennessee Children's Hospital, its role in our community, and how fortunate we are to have this very special place right in our own backyard. My husband and I had been involved in the Butterfly Run in a volunteer capacity from its inception; we have several friends who have worked at ETCH for many years in various roles and positions; we made a financial contribution to ETCH each year; we enjoyed the Fantasy of Trees for many years; and, beyond that, we carried on with our busy lives.

Then, in the summer of 2019, our first grandchild, Annie, was born. Her birth and subsequent passing six weeks later forever changed our family. One of those changes was a true understanding of the gift that East Tennessee Children's Hospital is to so many families in this area, our family now included. Annie's entire life on this earth was spent in the NICU at ETCH. The doctors, nurses, and staff in the NICU became Annie's family and, consequently, they became our family as well for those six precious weeks. Those caring, skilled, amazing, and empathetic professionals were the only other family our granddaughter ever knew. And they loved her fiercely. In addition, they didn't just care for Annie; they cared for her parents and for all four of her grandparents as well. I really do understand now!

So, when I retired and was deciding how I would spend my time, the only thing that I knew for certain was that I wanted to volunteer in some way at ETCH. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to do just that, and I always look forward to coming in each Thursday morning. It truly is a special place!

-- Jane