e l c a r i MBEHIND THE
HURLEY’S MIRACLE KIDS
I
BY JENNIFER BOICE
n 2016, new college grad Brooklyn Sondgeroth had dreams of a career in the broadcasting industry when she volunteered for an earlymorning shift at the ABC12 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Telethon. Paired up to shadow Linda TracyStephens, Brooklyn didn’t know what to expect, but was filled with excitement at the chance to be in the news station and experience the action firsthand. She was surprised as she watched kids run past the big-name news anchors to present Linda with bouquets of flowers as she casually chatted with the crowd. After spending 12 hours with Linda, Brooklyn’s whole perspective changed. She realized she wanted to be in a role like Linda’s, where she could change lives, and that became her career goal.
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So, who is Linda Tracy-Stephens? Since 2006, Linda has been the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Director for the Hurley Foundation. While this role focuses on raising funds for Hurley Children’s Hospital, Linda does so much more than that, and Brooklyn was immediately impressed with her work ethic, gentle demeanor, and empathetic nature. Those in the community knew and respected her, and if she met a stranger, they weren’t a stranger for long. Fast-forward to 2020, and Brooklyn is once again working side-by-side with Linda, only this time it’s more of a partnership. Brooklyn explains that Linda doesn’t like the words “boss” or “mentor” and, while Brooklyn’s title is Assistant Director for
INSIGHTFUL, MOTIVATIONAL & INSPIRATIONAL
CMN Hospitals Programs at the Hurley Foundation, Linda never talks down to her and always treats her like an equal. “She prefers ‘colleague’,” says Brooklyn, “which is hilarious. Here she is, she’s been in this job way longer than me, has so many more connections, and she wants to be on my same level. There’s no way!” Humble, to say the least. When asked about Linda’s best qualities, Brooklyn notes her sensitivity and empathy. “She is successful because of how she makes everyone around her feel. I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t learn something new, or feel my life has been enhanced in some way by working with her.” The same can be said about the thousands of children who have been lucky enough to know Linda. Linda remains in contact with the families
