National Hope for Henry Day
October 25
About National Hope for Henry Day
National Hope for Henry Day takes place on 25 October 2026. It is an annual observance created by the Hope for Henry Foundation, a United States charity that works to make hospital treatment less frightening for seriously ill children. The day celebrates the courage of young patients and raises awareness of the role that play, joy and emotional support have in paediatric care.
What is National Hope for Henry Day?
National Hope for Henry Day is a charity awareness day dedicated to children facing serious illness and to the people who help them feel brave, joyful and supported throughout their treatment. It is run by the Hope for Henry Foundation, an organisation founded in 2003 that designs scientifically tested programmes to reduce fear, improve cooperation with medical procedures and bring fun into the hospital environment. The day invites the public, hospitals, schools and businesses to recognise that emotional wellbeing is a meaningful part of a child’s recovery, not an optional extra.
When is National Hope for Henry Day?
National Hope for Henry Day falls on Sunday, 25 October 2026. It is held on the same fixed date every year, so it is straightforward to add to your calendar well in advance. Because the date does not move, organisations and families can plan fundraising activities, hospital visits and awareness campaigns around the 25th of October each year.
Why National Hope for Henry Day Matters
For a child, a hospital can be one of the most frightening places imaginable. Repeated procedures, long stays and uncomfortable treatments take a toll not only on the body but on a child’s sense of safety and confidence. The Hope for Henry Foundation has improved the lives of more than 150,000 hospitalised children since 2003, working in around 40 hospitals across the United States. Its programmes, which reward children for completing difficult procedures and turn daunting moments into something more manageable, have been shown to reduce the need for sedation and improve treatment adherence.
National Hope for Henry Day matters because it reminds us that medicine is about more than clinical outcomes. A child who feels brave and celebrated is more likely to cooperate with care, and families carry that experience with them long after discharge. The day connects naturally with broader efforts such as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which highlights the long and difficult journeys many young patients face.
How to Get Involved in National Hope for Henry Day
There are many ways to mark the day, whether you have a few minutes or want to organise a larger effort:
- Send a card or drawing – A cheerful note or a hand-drawn picture can brighten the day of a child in hospital and remind them they are not forgotten.
- Donate to the foundation – Financial support helps fund the rewards, toys and experiences that make medical treatment less daunting for young patients.
- Gather comfort items – Collect new toys, games, art kits or books and donate them to a paediatric ward or children’s charity in your area.
- Hold a superhero day – Encourage your workplace or school to dress as superheroes for the day, a nod to the bravery of children facing illness, and raise funds in the process.
- Volunteer your time – Many hospitals and charities welcome volunteers who can help run activities, play sessions or events for young patients and their families.
- Spread awareness online – Share the story of Hope for Henry on social media so that more people understand the importance of emotional care in children’s medicine.
- Organise a fundraiser – A bake sale, sponsored walk or dress-down day can raise money and bring your community together around a worthwhile cause.
- Thank a paediatric team – Recognise the nurses, child life specialists and play workers who support sick children every day, much as National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day celebrates.
History of National Hope for Henry Day
The story behind the day begins with Henry Strongin Goldberg, who was diagnosed with Fanconi anaemia, a rare and life-threatening genetic condition, in 1995. Henry’s spirit and humour during years of treatment left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He died in 2002, and the following year his parents, Laurie Strongin and Allen Goldberg, founded the Hope for Henry Foundation on what would have been Henry’s eighth birthday.
The charity began modestly, launching in the basement of a Washington, DC rowhouse and partnering with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Its founders had experienced first hand how isolating and frightening a long hospital stay can be for a child, and they set out to change that. Over the following two decades the foundation developed evidence-based programmes such as Super Rewards for Super Kids, which incentivises children to complete difficult procedures, and expanded into around 40 hospitals nationwide.
National Hope for Henry Day itself was established in 2019 as a way to bring annual attention to this mission and to celebrate the resilience of seriously ill children everywhere. In December 2025, MedStar Health acquired the Hope for Henry Foundation, ensuring that its quality-of-life programmes for young patients would continue and expand under the umbrella of a major health system.
Noteworthy Facts About National Hope for Henry Day
- The Hope for Henry Foundation was founded in 2003, the year after Henry Strongin Goldberg died, on what would have been his eighth birthday.
- The charity has improved the lives of more than 150,000 hospitalised children since its founding.
- Hope for Henry now operates in around 40 hospitals across the United States.
- The foundation began in the basement of a rowhouse in Washington, DC, and first partnered with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
- In 2025, MedStar Health acquired the foundation to ensure its programmes for children undergoing treatment continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Hope for Henry Day?
It is an annual awareness day dedicated to children facing serious illness and the value of play, joy and emotional support in their care. It is run by the Hope for Henry Foundation, a US charity that helps make hospital treatment less frightening for young patients.
When is National Hope for Henry Day in 2026?
National Hope for Henry Day takes place on Sunday, 25 October 2026. It is observed on this same fixed date every year.
Who was Henry, and who founded the charity?
The foundation is named after Henry Strongin Goldberg, who lived with Fanconi anaemia and died in 2002. It was founded in 2003 by his parents, Laurie Strongin and Allen Goldberg, to support other families and children going through serious illness.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Hope for Henry Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #HopeForHenry and #HopeForHenryDay2026 on social media. The more people who know about National Hope for Henry Day, the bigger the impact for children in hospital.
Related Awareness Days
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – A month-long campaign highlighting the experiences of children with cancer and the families who support them.
- National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day – A day honouring the specialist nurses who care for children with blood disorders and cancer.
- Global Hug Your Kids Day – A reminder to show love and affection to the children in our lives.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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