Hope for Henry 10 Years 10000 Smiles

On Nov. 13, the Hope for Henry Foundation celebrated its 10^th anniversary of creating smiles for children in the hospital. Laurie Strongin, founder of Hope for Henry, organized an inspirational anniversary event with Children’s National executives, physicians, children, and families. Hope for Henry has invested nearly a half million dollars to support children in the hematology/oncology department and international program at Children’s National – through special gifts, celebrity visitors, birthday parties, and super duper fun packs. The organization honors the legacy of Henry Strongin Goldberg, a Washington, DC resident who died at age 7 of a rare genetic disease. “Children’s hospitals are different from other hospitals,” said Dr. Kurt Newman, president and CEO, at the event. “What makes Children’s National special are the things we can do only because of the commitment, generosity, and creativity of partners like Hope for Henry. It’s about letting kids be kids, even when they’re undergoing challenging procedures and can’t see their friends. Hope for Henry helps children heal while giving them hope. “As long as the work of Hope for Henry goes on at Children’s National, I know we will continue to provide the laughter, love, and happiness that Henry would have wanted us to.” The celebration included special guests such as Batman and Robin, Superman, Spider man, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, a DC United Soccer Player, Cat in the Hat, and Mark Ein, owner of the DC Kastles, and several others that handed out special gifts to the young patients at Children’s National. “We are so excited to celebrate this incredible milestone here at Children’s National,” said Laurie Strongin. “It’s because of our shared belief that there is a real and important connection between a positive patient experience and a positive medical outcome.” View photos from the day’s celebration, or watch news features from News Channel 8 and News Channel 4.