The Washington, DC area is full of amazing moms. There are working moms, stay-at-home moms, single moms, moms of multiples, foster moms, adoptive moms, etc. We want to highlight some of those moms like Laurie Strongin. Each month we will feature one special mom as the Mom of the Month. Know a fellow amazing local mom here? Nominate them here!
Meet our December Mom of the Month: Laurie Strongin
Laurie Strongin is the founder and CEO of the Washington, DC–based Hope for Henry Foundation, which is transforming the pediatric patient experience and improving outcomes for children with serious illnesses nationwide. Her leadership at Hope for Henry and her memoir, Saving Henry, have positioned her as a prominent voice on patient advocacy, family rights, and ethical innovation in medicine.
Laurie has served on leading national science policy and bioethics panels, published op-eds in major newspapers, and appeared across national media, including USA Today, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, PBS NewsHour, and others. A sought-after inspirational speaker, her activism has earned recognition from the White House and numerous awards, including Children’s National’s Chairman’s Special Award, Georgetown Pediatrics’ Flame of Hope Award, and People magazine’s “Heroes Among Us.”
Here is our Q&A with Laurie Strongin
1. What inspired you to start Hope for Henry?
I founded Hope for Henry Foundation after losing my son, Henry, to complications from a bone marrow transplant. My goal was to transform the frightening experience of pediatric care into one filled with choice, courage, and the wonder of childhood for families like mine. Hope for Henry ensures that no child faces treatment without support, empowerment, and hope.
2. What’s your motivation to keep going?
Every time a child walks into a procedure feeling brave instead of afraid, I am reminded why Hope for Henry’s work matters. Seeing hospital teams embrace new ways of caring for kids keeps me energized—and knowing Henry’s legacy continues to change lives gives me strength.
3. What is your hope for the Healthcare Hub?
Hope for Henry’s Healthcare Hub is our next leap forward—bringing Hope for Henry tools and resources directly into families’ hands. My hope is that it becomes a trusted digital companion for children, caregivers, and clinicians everywhere, helping kids prepare for procedures, reduce anticipatory anxiety and fear, and reduce healthcare-related trauma. For more information, please visit hub.hopeforhenry.org.
4. What advice do you have for parents who feel overwhelmed when their child needs medical care?
It’s completely natural to feel scared or unsure when your child is facing a medical challenge. My advice is to take it one step at a time—and remember that you’re not alone. Ask questions, lean on your care team, and give yourself grace. Most importantly, help your child feel prepared. Kids are brave when they know what to expect, and simple tools—like the ones on Hope for Henry’s Healthcare Hub—can turn fear into confidence. Empowering your child doesn’t just make the moment easier; it builds resilience that lasts long after the hospital visit.
Do you know an amazing mom? Nominate a mom of the month here!
