Lauren Weintraub was quite literally born to volunteer at St. Luke's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Saucon Valley High School senior and her twin brother were born three months premature back in 2001, and received medical care in the Bethlehem NICU for four months. “I weighed one pound, 10 ounces and required advanced life-supporting measures,” she says. “The nurses and doctors there took excellent care of me and my brother. Over the years, we frequently returned for visits. We would always bring the staff holiday cookies and update them on how well we are doing.” This special bond drove Weintraub to seek out an opportunity to give back to the place that impacted her life so much. In 2014, Weintraub began volunteering in the pharmacy, delivering medications, as a hospital greeter in the lobby and assisting with clerical duties in any way she could. Her dream was always to become a volunteer in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and in the summer of 2017, it finally became a reality. “I was given the opportunity to spend my time volunteering in the NICU,” says Weintraub. “The nurses have taught me general baby care techniques for cuddling irritable babies, and allowed me to help the parent support group with crafts and journey jewels.” Now, just a year away from graduation, Weintraub says her volunteer work has inspired her to apply to several local colleges with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Her selflessness and maturity are made clear as she explains the importance of volunteering. “Volunteering is an enriching experience for both the volunteers and the community,” she says. “Communities have so many needs and never have enough resources. I hope others consider volunteering in their communities.”
