The Jacob Skye Baron Blog: Jacob's Wish
Henry Goldberg - While settling in at the hospital, for what would be a several-month stay, we were greeted by one of the Tomorrow's Children social workers holding a messenger bag. On it were the words "Hope for Henry". He presented us with the bag, which we opened to find a portable DVD player for Jacob. Such a generous gift, and we were stunned to find out that Henry was a boy who lost his battle with a rare form of anemia in 2002. The Hope for Henry organization, started by Henry's family, has given out hundreds of high-end electronic items to children facing life-threatening illnesses. We were overwhelmed by their generosity in our time of need.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hope for Henry's Summer Carnival is a Blast
Hundreds of patients played carnival games, ate ice cream sundaes and were wowed by magicians and balloon twisters at our annual summer carnival at Georgetown Hospital.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Superheroes at Work
This week, Hope for Henry held its annual superhero celebration at Georgetown Hospital where we honored the real heroes, the kids who fight for their lives every day.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Hope for Henry Answers President Obama's Call to Service
To honor the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and President Obama's and the First Lady's call to service, on Monday, January 20, dozens of children in Washington, DC shopped for birthday party goodies and packed birthday parties-in-a-box so that hospitalized children can have wonderful birthday celebrations on their special day. These boxes are being delivered this week to two Ronald McDonald Houses in Philadelphia where we are offering It's Your Birthday from Hope for Henry.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Giving Back to Hope for Henry
Below is an inspirational story of one boy giving back to Hope for Henry as told by his wonderful mom. Matthew was assigned a "holiday" math assignment in school. They had to go on a holiday "shopping spree" in honor of a charity. The spree was obviously not real -- but was based on locating items and prices in catalogs, circulars, or magazines.
There were some ground rules:
(1) they had $1,000 to spend
(2) they had to include 7% sales tax (they've been studying decimals this year)
(3) they had to purchase 10-20 items (no more, no less)
(4) they had to spend at least $975.00; but no more than $1,000.00 (including tax).
(5) the items selected had to be appropriate for the charity selected; and
(6) they had to put together a report, including an introduction, cut and pasted pictures of the items and their prices, and a creative artwork cover (Matthew's front cover was in the shape and design of an iPod).
Matthew selected Hope for Henry as his charity and spent $978.72 on 15 items -- including an iPod, superhero toys, a digital camera, and a DVD player. He would not part with the final report, but his introduction and tally pages are featured on this site.
After completing this project, Matthew and I decided that it would be a wonderful holiday gift to make this "mock" shopping spree a reality. Accordingly, I have made an on-line donation of $979.00 in honor of Henry, Matthew's project, and your wonderful advice and wise words over the last few years. Matthew is hoping that some other kids will receive some wonderful gifts -- like the iPod that never leaves his side.
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There were some ground rules:
(1) they had $1,000 to spend
(2) they had to include 7% sales tax (they've been studying decimals this year)
(3) they had to purchase 10-20 items (no more, no less)
(4) they had to spend at least $975.00; but no more than $1,000.00 (including tax).
(5) the items selected had to be appropriate for the charity selected; and
(6) they had to put together a report, including an introduction, cut and pasted pictures of the items and their prices, and a creative artwork cover (Matthew's front cover was in the shape and design of an iPod).
Matthew selected Hope for Henry as his charity and spent $978.72 on 15 items -- including an iPod, superhero toys, a digital camera, and a DVD player. He would not part with the final report, but his introduction and tally pages are featured on this site.
After completing this project, Matthew and I decided that it would be a wonderful holiday gift to make this "mock" shopping spree a reality. Accordingly, I have made an on-line donation of $979.00 in honor of Henry, Matthew's project, and your wonderful advice and wise words over the last few years. Matthew is hoping that some other kids will receive some wonderful gifts -- like the iPod that never leaves his side.
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Monday, December 8, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hope for Henry Holiday Party sponsored by Astra Zeneca
The Holiday Party at Georgetown Hospital yesterday brought Hope for Henry-style holiday cheer to the kids being treated by the hem/onc department.
The Washington, DC office of Astra Zeneca pharmaceuticals generously donated money and time to bring holiday movies; live entertainment, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Toy Soldier and carolers; and giftbags overflowing with toys, DVDs and candy to these pediatric patients spending their holidays in the hospital and the outpatient clinic.
The Washington, DC office of Astra Zeneca pharmaceuticals generously donated money and time to bring holiday movies; live entertainment, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Toy Soldier and carolers; and giftbags overflowing with toys, DVDs and candy to these pediatric patients spending their holidays in the hospital and the outpatient clinic.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
This is what Hope for Henry is all about - birthdays and smiles!
Alicia's Journey with FA:
"Sunday was the best day ever. We had a little party for her and she was sooooooo happy. She Loved her Spongebob party (thanks Allen and Laurie) The Hope for Henry Foundation sent her a Birthday in a Box and they even sent her her very own first iPod downloaded with all sorts of Spongebob and Dora movies. She loves it!!!!!!"
Elan is a hip guy and he'll pull through
It is bittersweet to be able to turnaround and support our supporters. Mitch Arnowitz was an early Hope for Henry booster. Unfortunately, Mitch's son Elan has had to endure painful surgery and prolonged hospitalization and therapy to deal with his Perthes Disease. But as you'll see...
Elan is a hip guy and he’ll pull through.
Hope for Henry was pleased to present Elan with a new iPod filled with Hannah Montana, the Jonas Bros and Drake & Josh to keep him company as he finishes out the year at the Hackerman - Phatz residence for outpatients being treated in Baltimore.
We wish him and his family well.
Posted using ShareThis
Elan is a hip guy and he’ll pull through.
Hope for Henry was pleased to present Elan with a new iPod filled with Hannah Montana, the Jonas Bros and Drake & Josh to keep him company as he finishes out the year at the Hackerman - Phatz residence for outpatients being treated in Baltimore.
We wish him and his family well.
Posted using ShareThis
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Hope for Henry Foundation brings Carnival Day to HUMC
By Mel Fabrik
ant Thursday, October 30 2008, 09:41 AM EDTThe Hope for Henry Foundation (HFHF) brought fun and games to patients of the Reuten Clinic within the DON IMUS-WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children, as well as the inpatients of The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), by way of a carnival celebration.
HFHF knows it can be difficult for children undergoing treatment to attend events like carnivals or parties, so four times a year, the group brings the fun directly to the patients. This instance – Carnival Day – included many favorite summer activities of children, including jugglers, a photo booth, face painters, an assortment of carnival games, balloons, goody bags, candy, and spin art.
HFHF was established in 2003 to honor the legacy of Henry Strongin Goldberg, who died at the age of seven from Fanconi anemia, a rare, fatal genetic disease. HFHF improves the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses by providing carefully chosen gifts and specially-designed programs to entertain and promote comfort, care, and recovery. HFHF has been serving patients at HUMC since 2005.
“We started the foundation as a tribute to Henry and how he’s remembered – which is for his playfulness, and sense of humor,” said Laurie Strongin, Henry’s mother and the founder of HFHF. “The attitude he took every day of his life, no matter what the circumstance, was ‘Hey, let’s just make it great.’ Even though he was a very sick little boy, he never acted like he was sick; he never thought of himself as sick.”
One of the patients at HUMC who enjoyed Carnival Day was 12-year-old Jake Healy, of Wanamassa, NJ, who had such a large amount of candy and prizes on top of the cabinet in the corner of his room that he couldn’t even keep track of how he won them all. “Carnival Day is great because it makes the day a lot more fun, and not so boring,” said Jake. “My favorite activity is spin art – it’s so cool!” Overall, Jake thought Carnival Day was great – just like Henry would’ve hoped.
About Hackensack University Medical Center
HealthGrades® named HUMC as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2007 and 2008. This designation recognizes hospitals that have demonstrated superior clinical quality over a seven-year time period, based upon an analysis of more than 75 million Medicare patient records from 1999-2006. These hospitals have achieved better survival rates and lower complication rates across dozens of medical procedures and diagnoses, fromcardiac care to orthopedic surgery, consistently ranking among the top five percent in the nation for overall clinical outcomes. HUMC is the only healthcare facility in New Jersey, New York, and New England to be named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals, for two years in a row. For more information, please visit the medical center’s website at www.humc.com.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Allen Nominated for GQ Man of the Year - Vote Today!
“Allen is someone making the world better for seriously ill children. This started when our son, Henry Strongin Goldberg, came into the world in 1995. Henry brought with him a winning smile, a zest for life, and a rare disease, Fanconi Anemia (FA). Allen then became a one-man make-a-wish foundation... Click for more info and to vote for Allen >
Friday, September 19, 2008
If You Can’t Go to School, We’ll Bring School (at least the fun part) to You
As kids around the country prepared to go back to school, Hope for Henry treated 150 kids at University of Minnesota Children's Hospital to new school supplies, book bags filled with books and a room-to-room party featuring Elmo, storytellers, a magician and a team of caricaturists.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
On August 31, Hope for Henry took 175 patients and families from Georgetown Hospital to a Washington Nationals game. As you can see, we all had a wonderful time. A special thanks to Most Valuable Kids and the Washington Nationals for the tickets to the game.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Bringing Sunshine to Hospitalized Kids
The Hope for Henry Summer Carnival was a huge success. The kids came to the hospital to see their doctors and left with arms filled with penny candy, carnival prizes, spin art creations and faces covered with smiles.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Caring jesters
Thursday, August 28, 2008
STAFF WRITER
Ashley Wingo walked into the hospital as a patient today but was soon turned into a giggling “pineapple head.”
At least that’s what Ashlee, 6, looked like when Brian McNelis finished painting her face yellow, green and orange during a Carnival Day for pediatric patients at Hackensack University Medical Center.
McNelis was one of several entertainers at the event sponsored by the Hope for Henry Foundation of Washington, D.C. Dozens of children were treated to games, juggling, candy and magic tricks, at the Don Imus WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack.
“You look beautiful,” McNelis told the chuckling child, who has leukemia.
The foundation was established in honor of Henry Strongin Goldberg, a Washington boy who died in 2003 at age 7 after a lifelong battle with Fanconi anemia, a rare inherited failure of the bone marrow. Henry made many trips to Hackensack for treatment, said his mother, Lauri Strongin.
“Hackensack is known for its expertise in blood diseases,” Strongin said. “If you’re in the mid-Atlantic region, you’re going to come here.”
Henry was a resilient child who never thought of himself as sick, but focused on trying to get better, said Strongin, who the founded organization. Hope for Henry has staged events at Hackensack for the past five years.
“He was an amazing kid,” Strongin said of her son. “He had incredible bravery, a positive attitude, a sense of humor.”
“This is more important than all the money gigs you do,” said McNelis, 45, a Washington clown and actor, who has performed Shakespeare. “Everybody gets a chance to give back.”
Sachi Tejani of Rutherford is only 6, but she has already given something back. Earlier this month, she donated bone marrow to her brother, Neelcq, 8, a patient at Hackensack who has lymphoma. Today, Sachi was watching Doug Young, a magician, perform magic tricks.
“You have to treat them as just kids,” said Young, 36, who wore an electric blue double-breasted jacket. “They have so much love and support around them,” he said. “That really helps.”
E-mail: groves@northjersey.com
Ashley Wingo walked into the hospital as a patient today but was soon turned into a giggling “pineapple head.”
DAVID BERGELAND / STAFF
Brian McNelis painting the face of Lake Hopatcong's Ashley Wingo, 6, to look like a pineapple.
At least that’s what Ashlee, 6, looked like when Brian McNelis finished painting her face yellow, green and orange during a Carnival Day for pediatric patients at Hackensack University Medical Center.
McNelis was one of several entertainers at the event sponsored by the Hope for Henry Foundation of Washington, D.C. Dozens of children were treated to games, juggling, candy and magic tricks, at the Don Imus WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack.
“You look beautiful,” McNelis told the chuckling child, who has leukemia.
The foundation was established in honor of Henry Strongin Goldberg, a Washington boy who died in 2003 at age 7 after a lifelong battle with Fanconi anemia, a rare inherited failure of the bone marrow. Henry made many trips to Hackensack for treatment, said his mother, Lauri Strongin.
DAVID BERGELAND / STAFF
Sarah Wingo, 9, of Lake Hopatcong, helping out Josh Edelman during his juggling act.
“Hackensack is known for its expertise in blood diseases,” Strongin said. “If you’re in the mid-Atlantic region, you’re going to come here.”
Henry was a resilient child who never thought of himself as sick, but focused on trying to get better, said Strongin, who the founded organization. Hope for Henry has staged events at Hackensack for the past five years.
“He was an amazing kid,” Strongin said of her son. “He had incredible bravery, a positive attitude, a sense of humor.”
“This is more important than all the money gigs you do,” said McNelis, 45, a Washington clown and actor, who has performed Shakespeare. “Everybody gets a chance to give back.”
Sachi Tejani of Rutherford is only 6, but she has already given something back. Earlier this month, she donated bone marrow to her brother, Neelcq, 8, a patient at Hackensack who has lymphoma. Today, Sachi was watching Doug Young, a magician, perform magic tricks.
“You have to treat them as just kids,” said Young, 36, who wore an electric blue double-breasted jacket. “They have so much love and support around them,” he said. “That really helps.”
E-mail: groves@northjersey.com
Thursday, August 7, 2008
HopeLab is definitely on to something important. Great name. Important work.
Video games are among the most popular entertainment media in the world. Now, groundbreaking research shows that a specially designed video game can promote positive behaviors in young cancer patients that enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment.
This research, sponsored by the nonprofit organization HopeLab and published in the medical journal Pediatrics, provides scientific evidence for a growing field of product development that taps into the positive potential of video games and other popular technology to improve human health.
"We have very effective treatments for cancer in adolescents, but they only work if the patient takes them," said Steve Cole, Ph.D., vice president of research at HopeLab and co-author of the article. "This study shows that a strategically designed video game can be a powerful new tool to enhance the impact of medical treatment by motivating healthy behavior in the patient."
The study evaluated the impact of playing Re-Mission(TM), a video game developed by HopeLab specifically for teens and young adults with cancer, on key behavioral and psychological factors associated with successful cancer treatment. In Re-Mission, players pilot a microscopic robot named Roxxi as she travels through the bodies of fictional cancer patients, blasting away cancer cells and battling the side-effects of cancer and cancer treatments.
This study on Re-Mission is the largest randomized, controlled study of a video game intervention ever conducted, following 375 teens and young adults with cancer at 34 medical centers in the United States, Canada and Australia during three months of cancer treatment.
In the study, participants who were given Re-Mission maintained higher levels of chemotherapy in their blood (20%; p=.002) and took their antibiotics more consistently (16%; p=.012) than those in the control group, demonstrating the game's impact at a biological level. Participants given Re-Mission also showed faster acquisition of cancer-related knowledge (230%; p=.035) and faster increase in self-efficacy (370%; p=.011).
"We now know that games can induce positive changes in the way individuals manage their health," said Dr. Cole. "The game not only motivates positive health behavior; it also gives players a greater sense of power and control over their disease -- in fact, that seems to be its key ingredient."
Analyses of study data suggest that patients' increased sense of control over cancer (self-efficacy) was a major driver of the game's effect on medical treatment utilization. To better understand how game play delivers the outcomes highlighted in the Pediatrics article, HopeLab conducted a study that utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology to analyze the brain regions that are activated when people play Re-Mission. Data from this research will be presented in Tokyo at the 10th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine August 27 - 30, 2008.
"The process to create and evaluate Re-Mission was highly collaborative, often challenging, and an incredible learning experience," said Pam Omidyar, HopeLab founder and board chair. "The publication of Re-Mission data represents the fulfillment of HopeLab's founding vision -- that rationally engineered technology can be a powerful tool to improve the health of young people."
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Bringing Birthday Cheer to Hospitalized Kids
Hope for Henry's new birthday program, It's Your Birthday! from Hope for Henry, is bringing birthday cheer - and presents, cupcakes, goody bags and decorations - to ensure that each child's special day is just that. Special.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
NBA Star Jeff Green Attends Hope for Henry Summer Carnival
Thanks to our partner Athletes for Hope, Jeff Green of the Seattle Sonics and formerly of the Georgetown Hoyas joined the kids at Georgetown Hospital's Lombardi Cancer Center at Hope for Henry's Summer Carnival. Star athletes like Jeff are heroes to the kids and parents alike who couldn't wait to meet him. While Jeff towered over many of the kids, he had to look up to see the smile on the face of our stiltwalker, Brian McNelis of Tomfoolery.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
It could not have been a more perfect day for a summer carnival. Even though summer is officially two days off, kids being treated for life-threatening illnesses gathered today at Georgetown University Hospital to enjoy the pleasures of the season.
Balloon artists, clowns, magicians and face painters along with midway games, a photo booth, spin and sand art activities, pizza and ice cream were all on hand for the annual Hope for Henry Summer Carnival at Georgetown.
A last minute addition to today's roster was Georgetown's own basketball superstar, Jeff Green, courtesy of Athletes for Hope. Now with the NBA's Seattle Sonics, Jeff swung by to say hello to all of the kids and staff attending the carnival. What a "tall" treat.
All of the patients from the outpatient clinic who could come and the kids up in the PICU and Hem/Onc floor too sick to attend received sand pails filled with fun summer-themed presents and prizes.
Look for media coverage of this fun-tabulous blowout coming soon to this space!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Upcoming Hope for Henry Summer Carnival at Lombardi Cancer Center
Check out this beautiful flier created by Sonia, a friend of Hope for Henry and volunteer at last year's carnival. Everything is coming together for this terrific event. We'll have clowns, jugglers, magicians, sand and spin art, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, pizza, midway games, a DJ and much, much more. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please email laurie@hopeforhenry.org.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Kids Helping Kids
Michael and Rachel Cherner shared their b'nai mitzvah with kids at Georgetown Hospital by asking their guests to make stuffed animal bears, pandas and horses each of which is sporting a Hope for Henry t-shirt. These beautiful gifts will be given to the children who attend Hope for Henry's summer carnival at Georgetown Hospital on June 18.
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