Our Projects
Helen Hayes Hospital has been here for over one 120 years, responding to the needs of very special patients. Founded in 1900 by Dr. Newton Shaffer, it was the first freestanding state operated hospital dedicated to the treatment of individuals with physical disabilities.
Since its establishment, Helen Hayes Hospital has continued to evolve and reinvent itself to meet the needs of its very special patients.
- 1900 tuberculosis epidemic
- 1920s polio in children
- 1944 polio epidemic: adults and children
- 1960s congenital abnormalities and children with cerebral palsy
“Karen Tribett"Yesterday is a beautiful reflection. Today is a new beginning. Tomorrow is a limitless possibility."
Since that time, services include physical rehabilitation from strokes, spinal cord and brain injury, amputation and other orthopedic diagnoses.
Helen Hayes MacArthur, First Lady of the American Theater, became involved with the hospital and in 1944 was appointed to the Board of Visitors. In 1974 the hospital was named for this great lady.
Since those early years, the hospital has continued to evolve to meet the most complex of challenges and still remain relevant. The name, the buildings and the technology have changed, but we remain dedicated to our patients addressing their unique needs and celebrating their achievements.
Through you generous contributions and unwavering support, the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation has been able to purchase high tech equipment, provide departmental grants, educational programs and build a state of the art Smart Apartment with cutting edge communicative technology.
As a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, it is our sole mission to address the needs of Helen Hayes Hospital that are not met by traditional funding.
Recent Projects
Pediatric Outpatient Indoor Therapeutic Gym
The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation was awarded a generous grant from the Pediatric Hospital Support Program of Starlight Children’s Foundation® NY*NJ*CT. The grant was used to build a therapeutic indoor […]
Herbert & Edythe Kurz Accessible Playground
The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation and Helen Hayes Hospital have officially opened the Herbert and Edythe Kurz Accessible Playground. Located on the campus of the physical rehabilitation hospital in West […]
Anti-Gravity Treadmill
The AlterG ® Anti-Gravity Treadmill is considered to be one of the most exciting technological inventions in the Orthopedic Physical Therapy world in over 20 years! It can be used […]
Smart Balance Master
Balance issues affect thousands of people, including individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries, MS and stroke, as well as those with cardiac and orthopedic conditions. They cause falls, concussions […]
Exoskleleton Device
Imagine someone not being able to walk for years and then suddenly a groundbreaking piece of equipment comes along and allows that person to walk again. That is what the […]
Smart Apartment
WELCOME TO THE SMART APARTMENT Advancing Life, Inspiring Independance From the time you cross the threshold of the Helen Hayes Hospital Smart Apartment, you’ll see high tech innovations in a […]
Adaptive Sports
Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation provides “Smart Technology for Para Athletes” and other adaptive sports programs at Helen Hayes Hospital, including adapted golf carts, which allows disabled golfers the opportunity to […]
Adaptive Driving Van
This customized van is designed for individuals who have physical or cognitive problems that may affect their ability to drive safely. Helen Hayes Hospital offers a program that is available […]