The Henry Umsted Foundation was formed in May of 2003 to honor Anna and Chip Umsted’s son, Henry, who was diagnosed with the rare, terminal metabolic disease Menkes as well as for the strength their other five children have shown since the diagnosis.

 

The Umsteds quickly came to realize that, although there are great resources available to deal with the specific aspects of their child's condition, including mental and physical therapy programs, there was not a place where an entire family could go and share unique, stress-free experiences. 

 

When a child is seriously ill, everyone in the family is affected. Sometimes it seems that the daily struggles of caring for a sick child are so oppressive that the thought of leaving the house even for simple chores seems impossible.  The driving force behind The Henry Foundation is to invest in programs where families of children with rare terminal conditions can experience the refreshment of new places and exciting events.