Clockwise from left: Penny’s Flight Foundation’s FamJam benefit in Oyster Bay, New York, 2023; Henry Doerge speaks during a Penny’s Flight Fundraiser; the Doerge family in Boca Grande; Henry Doerge with his sister, Penny.
HENRY DOERGE
Penny’s Flight Foundation
Q: What inspires you? A: I am inspired by my sister Penny, who lost her life to Neurofibromatosis (NF), the most common genetic disorder in the United States yet significantly underfunded. While Penny’s life was never defined by her diagnosis, the outcome was heartbreakingly inevitable. Hearing from countless families 116 QUEST
affected by NF has further motivated me to continue raising the necessary funds to find a cure. My hope is that one day, no family will have to endure the loss of a loved one to this devastating disease. Q: How do you envision your philanthropic efforts in the coming years? A: I am committed to remaining an active participant in Penny’s Flight until we achieve a cure. Being involved has been incredibly rewarding, and I can clearly see the impact that my efforts, along with those of many others, have already made. Q: What strategies do you have in mind to recruit more young individuals for the cause? A: My plan to involve more young people centers around increasing awareness of the foundation. There are currently over 18 Penny’s Flight Clubs at various colleges and high schools across the country. These clubs have been instrumental in hosting popup events to both raise awareness and gather the necessary funds for a cure. I will continue organizing events at the University of Denver and motivate others to expand their efforts. Our success so far can be attributed to understanding that we can make a significant difference through social media engagement and by involving friends and their networks in our cause.
C O U R TE S Y OF P E N N Y ’ S F L I G H T F OU N DATI ON
ON NOVEMBER 10, 2022, tragedy struck the Doerge family when Henry Doerge’s 16-year-old sister, Penny, succumbed to a brain tumor caused by Neurofibromatosis (NF), which she was diagnosed with at just four months old. NF causes the formation of tumors in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. In 2020, Penny bravely underwent the first of seven surgeries to remove these growths. After two procedures, it was discovered in May 2021 that her tumors were a malignant type of brain cancer known as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Just one month following Penny’s passing, Henry, alongside his brother Frankie and their parents, Kate and Chad Doerge, established Penny’s Flight Foundation. The charity is dedicated to advancing medical research on NF and related disorders, as well as raising awareness using Penny’s inspiring story. Henry now serves on the Advisory Board and has co-founded the Penny’s Flight Chapter at the University of Denver, where he is currently a student.