One Nurse’s Quick Thinking Saved a Preemie’s Life. Over 50 Years Later, They Still Have an Unbreakable Bond

**Retired Nurse’s Lifesaving Actions Create Lifelong Bond with Family**

A remarkable story of compassion and dedication unfolded over fifty years ago when a retired nurse’s quick actions saved a newborn’s life, leading to an enduring relationship that transcends generations. June LaJeunesse, who worked at UMass Memorial Medical Center, stepped into the role of a lifesaver on 30th September 1972, when Cheryl Flynn faced one of her most daunting moments as a mother.

Cheryl Flynn, then pregnant, experienced unexpected pains and delivered her baby girl, Carole Flynn, prematurely at just five months. Tragically, initial assessments led medical professionals to believe that the baby was stillborn. However, June LaJeunesse had other ideas. With determination and a wealth of experience, she took a bold step to revive the infant, an action that would forever alter the course of both their lives.

“I remember thinking, ‘This can’t be happening,’” Cheryl recalled during her interview with NBC10 Boston. The anxieties of giving birth months earlier than expected were overwhelming, and the grim diagnosis shattered her hope. Yet, just as despair began to settle in, June sprang into action. “I resuscitated her, and when the doctor came in, I said, she’s breathing,” June remembered. “And he said, ‘She is.’”

The moment was nothing short of miraculous for Cheryl, who expressed her joy. “She weighed a pound, 11 ounces, and I was just thrilled that I had this beautiful baby girl,” she said. For Carole, hearing her mother’s accounts has been deeply emotional. “I always just know I’m loved,” she stated, reflecting on the circumstances of her entry into the world and the pivotal role June played in it.

The local newspaper documented Carole’s dramatic birth and survival, prompting June to reach out to the Flynn family. This gesture marked the beginning of a close bond that would extend well beyond Carole’s infancy. In a touching twist of fate, June became Carole’s godmother, fostering a relationship characterized by warmth and unwavering support over the decades.

Through all of life’s transitions—cross-country moves, career changes, and retirement—the connection between the Flynn family and June has only grown stronger. Now at 95 years old, the roles have reversed, with June receiving care in a nursing home. “When I came to the nursing home, they took over and took care of me,” June shared, capturing the essence of their unique relationship that has persisted through the years.

Carole’s admiration for June has also influenced her choices in life. Inspired by her own birth story and the powerful impact of LaJeunesse’s work, Carole chose to enter the medical field. “I work at UMass Memorial in the same system where June was working, and it’ll be 10 years in October,” Carole said proudly. Her decision highlights how one nurse’s actions can ripple through time, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in healthcare.

In sharing their family’s journey with June, Cheryl has come to appreciate the broader significance of nursing. “Nurses are like angels sent down from God to take care of us,” she expressed, recognising the profound dedication and compassion that nurses bring to their work.

This extraordinary tale of resilience and connection not only demonstrates the impact that medical professionals can have on their patients’ lives but also serves as a testament to the power of relationships forged during critical moments. The Flynn family’s bond with June LaJeunesse illustrates how the nurturing spirit of nurses can leave an indelible mark on the lives they touch, creating stories filled with love, gratitude, and the enduring gift of life.