Sue Horman lost her daughter Kimberly to cancer when Kim was just 18 years old. During treatment, Sue and Kim spent many hours on Ellison 18 at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) and Kim loved taking part in the activities the Child Life team offered for patients. In memory of Kim, Sue founded Angels Above in 1996, with proceeds from a small yard sale. In partnership with the Child Life team at MGHfC, Angels Above’s mission is to help provide a warm and friendly hospital environment for patients and their families.
Whether donating games, movies, snacks, art supplies or technology; planning pampering, special treats or outings; or organizing birthday parties, end of chemo parties or other personal celebrations, Angels Above helps patients escape their illness for a time and make happy memories. Says one nominator who works at MGHfC, “Angels Above is an integral part of how we are able to help normalize the hospital experience for our patients and families.”
Today, Sue runs The Angels Above Shop, a resale store located in Lowell, Mass., filled with new and gently used items donated by the public. The store provides the majority of funding for Angels Above, along with an annual fundraiser, the Angels Above Twilight Affair and Silent Auction, held each November. The organization continues to brighten the days of children and parents dealing with the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis.
Many patients have come to think of Sue as a part of their family and are deeply touched by her love and generosity. Her hard work and passion keeps Kim’s memory alive and touches the lives of hundreds of young patients every year.
