The Story of Herbie Fund
In 1978, Herbie Quinones of Brooklyn, New York, was born with a rare birth defect that made it hard for him to breathe. Every time he swallowed became a life-threatening situation. He needed an operation that was developed by Dr. Robert Filler at SickKids, but his family could not afford the cost of the trip or the surgery.
After reading about Herbie in local newspapers, Paul and Gina Godfrey led an effort in which the people of Toronto generously donated money to cover Herbie’s hospital costs. Dr. Filler offered to perform the surgery without a fee. In February 1979, Herbie came to Toronto for this lifesaving operation, returning to Brooklyn a much happier and healthier little boy.
After all of Herbie's medical expenses had been paid, the account that had been opened to cover the costs of his care had $17,000 remaining. The Godfreys established The Herbie Fund with this account, to be used to help other children like Herbie Quinones.
To support The Herbie Fund, click here.