When Lori Johnson walks into Dell Children’s Medical Center, she’s enveloped by a calm she can’t quite explain. “I know it’s a hospital—a place of heartache for many—but I feel this sense of peace and hope every time I walk through the doors.”
For Lori, Dell Children’s is more than a building; it’s a place of resilience, healing, and community. Her passion for children’s health and mental well-being and her desire to foster community led her to join Women’s Trust, a giving society devoted to supporting Dell Children’s mission and its patients.
Lori’s connection to children’s healthcare began when her triplets arrived prematurely. Born at just 29 weeks, they spent two months in the NICU, surrounded by compassionate doctors and nurses who became an extension of her family. “I’ll never forget the kindness of the NICU team,” Lori says.
“To this day, seeing one of our doctors makes me emotional. They were there for us during one of the most vulnerable times of our lives.” This profound experience shaped her lifelong dedication to supporting children’s health.
The Women’s Trust: Building a Community of Support
Lori first joined Women’s Trust after recognizing how seamlessly it aligned with her desire to make a meaningful impact. She was drawn to the group’s collaborative spirit, optimal time commitment, and opportunities to learn directly from healthcare leaders about innovations at Dell Children’s. “The luncheons feel special,” Lori shares. “From the warm community to the stories of healing and progress, it’s inspiring. And voting on where the funds go allows members to be personally invested in the outcomes.”
For Lori, the Women’s Trust is more than a philanthropy group—it’s a place where women come together to amplify their impact. She’s recruited many friends over the years, encouraging them to join by explaining the ease of participation.
“It’s a small commitment with a huge reward,” she says. “You’re part of something that makes a tangible difference in children’s lives.”
A Moment that Changed Everything
Lori Johnson’s children
Lori recalls one of her most profound experiences: the opening of Dell Children’s Mental Health Unit. Her family, alongside another donor family, was invited to a special blessing ceremony led by Chaplain Krista Gregory. “We stood in a circle, holding candles, as Krista shared a beautiful story about a light in a window—a symbol of guidance and hope,” Lori recounts. “My husband and children were moved to tears. It was a reminder of why we give—to create spaces of healing when families need it most.”
The mental health unit holds particular significance for Lori, who believes that access to mental healthcare for young people is more important than ever, especially as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a world dominated by social media and other stressors. When sharing her passion with a friend, that friend was inspired to donate as well. “That’s the beauty of community,” Lori explains. “When you open your heart and share your story, others feel empowered to make a difference too.”
Why Women’s Trust Stands Apart
What makes Women’s Trust unique, according to Lori, is its thoughtful structure. The group hosts just two meetings a year, which are filled with connection and purpose. “You don’t have to attend countless galas or events,” Lori notes. “Instead, you come together, learn, and support what resonates with you.” She finds this model especially appealing to women who are balancing busy personal and professional lives but want to contribute meaningfully.
Looking Ahead
As Lori looks to the future, her vision for Women’s Trust is simple: continued growth and impact.
“I want more people to feel connected to the incredible work happening at Dell Children’s,” she says. “When you see it firsthand—the staff’s dedication, the patients’ bravery—you can’t help but want to be part of it.”
Lori’s advice is straightforward for anyone considering joining Women’s Trust: “Just take that first step. It’s one of the easiest, most meaningful ways to support our community’s children. And you’ll gain so much in return.”
Join Dell Children’s Women’s Trust
Join Women’s Trust or contact Armando Zambrano for more information at [email protected].