When is this day celebrated? October 25
What is Hope for Henry?
On October 25, 1995, Henry Strongin Goldberg was born. Two weeks later, he was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, a disease that threatened to take his life, and challenged us to live well despite it.
His sparkly eyes, mischievous grin and infectious smile was a call to action to smile back, laugh along and dance with him. His ear-to-ear smile and joyous laughter were far more noticeable than his many surgical scars and low-platelet related bruises. He suffered plenty of setbacks and spent more nights in the hospital fighting against whatever Fanconi anemia would throw his way, but just when it looked like the disease was too tough of an opponent, Henry would rise up and get back to the life he chose to lead. He had ice cream for dinner and transitioned from the hospital to running a lemonade stand in a matter of minutes.
On December 11, 2002, the unimaginable happened. Henry died.
Henry is alive and well in our hearts and minds, and every day we strive to be true to the lessons he taught us about the importance of family, friends, love, courage and laughter.
Henry was the master of living well and laughing hard. To honor his life and share his magical way of making each day matter, we founded the Hope for Henry Foundation. Recognizing the uplifting effect laughter and smiles have for thousands of children like Henry, Hope for Henry Foundation strives to fill their recovery time with fun and entertainment.
How should this day be celebrated?
This day should bring awareness in helping kids feel like kids. Just because they were diagnosed with an illness doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get to be kids!