Hope for Henry Celebrates its One Year Anniversary at Sinai Hospital by Putting Smiles on the Faces of Young Patients

By: Jessica Levine

The Lenny "Batman" Robinson Hope for Henry Foundation has completed one amazing year at the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai! This inspiring program gives children living with cancer and other serious illnesses support, entertainment and ultimately happiness. Hope for Henry Foundation was created in memory of Henry Strongin Goldberg who died in 2002 of complications following a bone marrow transplant at the age of seven; however, Henry's spirit has undeniably lived on through this program by putting smiles on children's faces every day.

In the spring of 2016, Hope for Henry expanded its life-affirming services to Sinai Hospital, naming the program the Lenny "Batman" Robinson Hope for Henry" Program, in honor of Baltimore's Batman, Lenny Robinson who participated in many patient celebrations at Sinai Hospital.

"It is hard to imagine the Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai without the extraordinary work that LBR Hope for Henry does every day to help alleviate stress and truly make our children happy," says Dr. Aziza Shad. "Every athlete, superhero, and makeover has a positive impact on our kids and their families, and for that, I am more grateful to the Hope for Henry Foundation than I can put into words!"

Throughout its first year, the LBR Hope for Henry Program has served its patients through a variety of fantastic events. The first event at Sinai was a huge Hope for Henry Superhero Extravaganza. The faces of patients and their family members lit up when their favorite superheroes walked through the door, not to mention when they got to pick out fun superhero toys and giveaways. The party included face painting and caricaturists that made the celebration even more memorable. The party was completed with Georgetown Cupcakes and delicious pizza for everyone to enjoy.

"Hope for Henry is so pleased to be able to honor Lenny Robinson's legacy through the establishment of the Lenny "Batman" Robinson Hope for Henry Program at Sinai Hospital," said Hope for Henry Founder and CEO Laurie Strongin. "In our first year, we've served more than 1,200 children through the provision of child life services, superhero extravaganzas, spa days, movie premieres, athlete visits and more. The kids are smiling more and healing faster. It's truly been an honor to be part of the team at Sinai."

Hope for Henry SuperGirl SuperFun Pamper Parties serve more than 60 children who are pampered with makeovers and professional photo shoots. In only one year, 99 patients have met superheroes like Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Wolverine, and Supergirl.

Other kinds of superheroes have also stopped by to see 147 young patients at Sinai thanks to the program. Among them were famous athletes like Ray Lewis.

While the programs, special events, and one-of-a-kind visits are too numerous to mention individually, it's also important to note that more than 40 patients have celebrated their birthdays surrounded by family and fun, decorations, gifts, balloons and cupcakes thanks to Hope for Henry.

In addition to the innovative programs that entertain, reduce stress and empower children to be active participants in their own care, the Hope for Henry Foundation also employs a child life specialist at Sinai, Kelly Beck. She is specially trained in childhood development so that she can work with children and their families to support them and to promote comfort, care, and recovery for these kids and their families throughout their journeys.

Hope for Henry empowers children to heal and get better. Each party and event gives patients positive and happy childhood memories during their illness. This program helps make healing a little easier by giving children fun things to look forward to. The LBR Hope for Henry Program has accomplished so much in only one year and continues to create smiles and hope for many brave children.