National Hope for Henry Day

Each year on October 25, we observe National Hope for Henry Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the spirit of hope, courage, and joy shown by children facing serious illnesses—and reminding us all that even in hospital beds there’s room for laughter, play, and being “just a kid”.

History of National Hope for Henry Day

The day was established in 2019 by the Hope for Henry Foundation, a nonprofit created in memory of Henry Strongin Goldberg, a young boy who battled Fanconi anemia and whose mischievous grin and brave heart inspired the foundation’s mission.
The foundation itself has been working since 2003 to transform pediatric hospital experiences—bringing smiles, fun, creative programs,, and comfort to children whose medical journeys are often longer and harder than they should be.

Why is National Hope for Henry Day important?

When I reflect on this day, what speaks to me is the idea that healing isn’t just about medicine—it’s about a child’s spirit, sense of normalcy, laughter, lightness in dark times. National Hope for Henry Day invites us to step outside the clinical, to recognize that every child facing illness deserves moments of joy, of play, of being just a kid again despite treatment and hospitals. It encourages communities to ask: what can we do to bring hope, to bring a smile, to offer comfort?
At the same time, the day does something quietly powerful: it honors resilience—not just the child’s, but the families’, the medical teams’, the volunteers’. It reminds us that courage isn’t just the big dramatic things, but the small persistent acts of kindness, the decision to hold a child’s hand, offer a game, play a favourite tune even in the sterile halls of a hospital.
Here are five thoughts on why this day matters:

• It reminds us that serious illness doesn’t have to mean losing childhood—the child deserves fun, care, and moments of normal.
• It honors the invisible work of hospital staff, volunteers, and families who bring life beyond treatment rooms.
• It broadens our view of “care” to include emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing of children.
• It invites us to act—not just feel—that small gestures can shift the mood, even the trajectory, of a child’s hospital stay.
• It keeps alive Henry’s legacy: that even one young boy’s spirit can spark change across many children’s lives.

How to Observe National Hope for Henry Day

You don’t need a grand event to mark the day—simple, heartfelt actions can ripple out in meaningful ways. Perhaps you could spend a few minutes writing a card or drawing a picture for a child in the hospital. Maybe you gather family or friends and dedicate the day to donating games or art supplies to your local children’s ward. If you’re in a workplace or school, you might hold a “bring‑your‑superhero‑day” to raise awareness and funds for pediatric care support.
Another option is to reach out: ask your local hospital what they need for children’s comfort and joy, and commit to delivering something small but consistent. The point is to bring kindness where structure and routine dominate.
Here are five down‑to‑earth ideas you might try:

• Send a cheerful note or drawing to a child in hospital and tell them you’re thinking of them.
• Donate or gather art kits, games, or comfort items for a pediatric ward or children’s foundation.
• At school or work, wear a “superhero” shirt or sticker and ask people to learn about Hope for Henry’s mission.
• Speak with your family or friends about how we can support children’s emotional wellbeing during illness—not just the medical side.
• Share a story or fact on social media with the hashtag #NationalHopeForHenryDay to raise awareness.

National Hope for Henry Day Dates Table