Announcing Our Partnership with HSS
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) recently unveiled the newly named Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy (PDAA) dedicated in memory of our daughter Penny, who was a long-standing patient of Dr. Roger Widmann, Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics at HSS. The PDAA focuses on three key themes that are central to how Penny lived her life: motion, expression, and inclusion. Penny’s resilient, positive, and courageous spirit are all qualities that the Academy works to promote in its athletes participants.
The renaming of the PDAA will be celebrated at the 2023 Hospital for Special Surgery Benefit for Pediatrics, the signature fundraising event for the HSS Lerner Children’s Pavilion, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 6:30 PM at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.
At the Benefit, our goal is to raise $250,000 through this appeal, all of which will support the PDAA in expanding its offerings to our youngest patients.
Support of $10,000 or more will be recognized on the invitation if pledged by August 31.
Warmest Wishes,
Kate Doerge
HSS Pediatric, Benefit Co-Chair
Penny’s Flight Foundation, CEO
Our 1st Annual Family Jamboree was the most magical and special night.
To everyone that participated, our very generous supporters, donors Donavon Frankenreiter and LIQUORCAKE - THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Together, we made Penny’s light bigger and brighter than ever.
Thank you for all your support during our July Match! We are thrilled to announce we raised $1.2M.
Thank you again to all of our friends, family, followers, and supporters who have made Penny’s birthday the most incredible celebration.
Our Mission
The butterfly effect is a phenomenon in which a tiny event, like the flap of a butterfly’s wings, can result in a profound and far-reaching shift of circumstance.
Through Penny’s story and bright light, the Penny's Flight Foundation aims to expand knowledge around NF, while inspiring others to find beauty in imperfection, positivity in the face of challenge, and faith over fear. Read more about What We Fund.
About Penny
Penelope Griggs Doerge (June 29, 2006 - November 10, 2022) was a talented artist, fashionista, world traveler, social media influencer and the founder of “Glam Camp”, a summer program for young girls. In just 16 years, she lived a life full of purpose, passion and joy, and through her actions showed countless others how to live with grace.
Penny was a model of resilience, positivity and courage. Diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF1) as an infant, Penny never let this define her or hold her back. She lived her life “Walking on Sunshine”, in the words of her favorite song. Penny made an impact everywhere she went by shining her bright light. She was an inspiration and a teacher to people of all ages.
Penny is the daughter of Chad and Kate Doerge who created the Penny’s Flight Foundation shortly after Penny’s death in November 2022. The Foundation was created to advance medical research in NF1 and its related disorders, and to inspire others to live with positivity and humor and find the beauty and joy in all situations.
