Creating A Legacy of Poetry & Philanthropy

Giving something meaningful to kids.

Following a 30-year career as an English teacher, June Olsen now spends her time as a hospital volunteer in her retirement. After losing several members of her own family, June realized that she missed being close to children, and she especially wanted to give something meaningful to kids in Phoenix.

Already a Phoenix Children’s supporter, June phoned the hospital and asked if they might be interested in having a “poetry lady” come to visit the kids. “I believe we all have an opportunity to make better the parts of the web of life that we have contact with,” June says.

She brings collections of poetry for all ages with her on her visits, and encourages the children she connects with to write poems of their own. After seeing the gratitude parents have for the care their kids are receiving, June decided to include Phoenix Children’s in her Will. It’s a decision she’s never regretted.

“You’re projecting outward what you have become during your life,” she explains. “I may not be able to save the world, but I can at least do something to save my little piece of it.” June has indeed created a life’s legacy of which she can be truly proud.

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