About us
Our Mission
Aryeh’s Special Smile aims to support babies and families undergoing a medical journey by distributing gift packages to families in our community that are going through extended hospital or rehabilitation stays. The gift packages will include items to hopefully make these stays a little bit easier. Aryeh’s parents spent many, many hours- during the day and at night- in hospitals and rehab facilities. They have gone through this experience themselves and want to help any family going through something similar in any way possible.
Through the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisroel, may we accomplish our ultimate mission and greet Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily!
Aryeh’s Story
Aryeh’s Special Smile was founded לע”נ חיים אריה דוד מיכאל ע”ה בן יבדלחט”א יצחק הערשל שליט”א בראון.
Aryeh was a special baby with a special neshama who, shortly after birth, received a clinical diagnosis of Moebius Syndrome. One of the symptoms of Moebius Syndrome is a weakening of facial muscles. This makes it difficult for affected individuals to smile in the “typical” way. Nevertheless, Aryeh was a very happy boy and had a special way of smiling! When he was happy, everyone in the room knew it. He had a unique way of expressing his emotions- particularly joy! This being the case, what better choice of a name for an organization inspired by him than “Aryeh’s Special Smile”?
As mentioned, Aryeh was almost always joyous. His joy and happiness were very infectious, affecting all those around him! Aryeh was very strong, thus his name- ארי’ה- which means “lion” in Hebrew, representing strength. In addition to his being innately strong, his parents wanted to draw forth more of his inner strength, making “Aryeh” a clear choice for his name!
Our organization aims to share Aryeh’s strength as well as his joy to bring smiles and chizuk to other families on a similar journey.