Young cancer patients treated to Georgetown shopping spree
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Several young girls fighting life-threatening diseases took a break from the hospital today. They enjoyed a Georgetown shopping spree, racking up hundreds of dollars’ worth of clothing!
But this was more than just retail therapy. It was an escape from chemotherapy, needle pricks, doctors and nurses for a group of hematology and oncology patients.
It was all organized by the Hope for Henry Foundation, which offers incentives to kids for complying with sometimes painful procedures and medical treatments.
“When you get a diagnosis of cancer, it's not a couple hours in the hospital - or a couple days - it is years,” said Laurie Strongin, Hope for Henry’s CEO.
The day of pampering at the Georgetown Lilly Pulitzer store included custom paintings and Georgetown Cupcakes. Each girl was given a special purse filled with so-called "Henry Bucks."
The popular cupcake chain is currently selling a Hope for Henry dozen, donating $15 from each sale of this special assortment to the foundation.
Strongin founded the organization after her 7-year old son, Henry, died from a rare bone marrow disease in 2002.
“To be able to have an opportunity to get out of the hospital and have a normal experience has such an incredible therapeutic benefit,” Strongin said.
Seven-year old Jade Tukan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was nearly two.
Her Mother Taneika Tukan said, “Her eyes kind of popped out of her head when we told her [she’d get] 500 bucks that you get to spend on dresses.”
Jade spent her cash on an outfit for picture day tomorrow, plus another outfit for her birthday party on Saturday.
She even left the store wearing one of her new dresses, excited to show it off to her classmates back at school.
“I think they'll think that my outfit looks amazing,” Jade said.
