In 2002, seven-year-old Henry Strongin Goldberg lost his battle against Fanconi anemia, a genetic disease that leads to bone marrow failure. In his memory, his parents created Hope for Henry, which brings innovative programming into the hospital to entertain, reduce stress, and empower children to be active participants in their care. Full-time Certified Child Life Specialists help children and their families cope with the anxiety of serious illness, providing therapeutic activities, explaining diagnoses, and minimizing fears of surgical procedures or tests. Book events, spa days, visits from celebrities, carnivals, and birthday parties ensure that kids don’t miss out on feeling like kids. A patient incentive program pays children in Hope for Henry Bucks to undergo radiation, chemotherapy, or other painful but necessary procedures (bucks are exchanged for gifts), thereby increasing adherence to medical tasks and helping kids get healthier, faster. You can help too.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 3
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide
Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)
Population(s) Served: All
- Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we have served:
18,000
Awards & Recognition
Capital One Bank Community Champions Award (2017)
EXCEL Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership, Center for Nonprofit Advancement (2016)
Flame of Hope Award, Georgetown Pediatrics (2015)
Chairman's Award, Children's National Medical Center (2013)
"Heroes Among Us," People Magazine (2015)
Star for Children Award, Children's Charities Foundation (2013)
Author, Saving Henry (Hyperion, 2010)
Contributing Author, The Story Within (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013)
Winner, WJLA-TV Toyota Tribute to Working Women Award (2005)
Press
- Washington Nationals Host Holiday Party for Kids at MedStar Georgetown
Tue Dec 10 2013, WUSA-TV
Washington Nationals players join Hope for Henry in bringing holiday cheer to kids and families at Lombardi Cancer Center.
- Jeff Gordon Supports Hope for Henry Foundation
Mon May 6 2013, Look to the Stars: The World of Celebrity Giving
Hope for Henry and Children's National were the beneficiaries of a reception in Georgetown featuring race car driver Jeff Gordon.
- NASCAR Driver Jeff Gordon Raises Money for Hope for Henry
Thu May 2 2013, Huffington Post
NASCAR Champion Jeff Gordon raises thousands of dollars to support Hope for Henry and Children's National in Washington DC
- Superheroes Spread Smiles at Georgetown University Hospital
Thu Mar 28 2013, WUSA - Channel 9
Hope for Henry hosted its annual Superhero Celebration where Batman, Spiderman and Superman delivered smiles and laughter to ill children.
- Hope for Henry Founders Named Harris' Heroes
Thu Mar 28 2013, WJLA-TV Channel 7
Leon Harris, News Anchor of ABC's WJLA-TV in DC, honors Hope for Henry founders by naming them "Harris' Heroes"
Budget (FY2016)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for Hope for Henry Foundation is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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