Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Children’s Hospital announced a $1.5 million gift this week that will support its ongoing expansion and honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The generous contribution comes from Hank’s Fine Furniture in memory of Hank Browne, a longtime supporter of the hospital who passed away in 2022 from glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
The donation will be used to establish the Hank Browne Bone Marrow Transplant Suite, a new specialized area designed to meet the unique needs of immunocompromised patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. Officials say the suite will feature advanced facilities and thoughtfully designed rooms to provide comfort and safety for patients and their families during treatment.
“We wanted to do something to honor my father and knew we wanted to do it at Arkansas Children’s,” said Mary Browne Allen, owner and chief executive officer of Hank’s Fine Furniture. “Arkansas Children’s is so important to the state, and it was deeply important to my father. I think he would be very proud of this gift and of the legacy he created that allows us to give back in this way.”
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Browne’s connection to Arkansas Children’s Hospital extended beyond philanthropy; his dedication to children’s health and wellness was widely recognized throughout the community. Officials at the hospital emphasized that the gift not only supports critical infrastructure but also raises awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by children battling cancer.
September is recognized nationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the gift coincides with events highlighting the importance of research, treatment, and support for young patients and their families. By naming the bone marrow transplant suite in Browne’s honor, hospital leaders hope to celebrate his life while inspiring others to contribute to pediatric care initiatives.
The hospital’s expansion project, which the $1.5 million gift will support, is part of a larger effort to enhance facilities, increase patient capacity, and provide state-of-the-art care for children throughout Arkansas. The new bone marrow transplant suite will allow medical staff to deliver more specialized treatments in a safe, controlled environment, further improving outcomes for young patients facing serious illnesses.
Hospital officials expressed gratitude for the Browne family’s generosity, noting that contributions like these play a vital role in the hospital’s mission to provide high-quality pediatric care. The donation exemplifies the impact that community support can have on both patient experience and medical innovation.
For more information on Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s expansion and upcoming projects, hospital officials encourage the public to visit ARChildrens.org/Expansion. The gift and the suite it funds stand as a lasting tribute to Hank Browne’s dedication to children’s health and the community, ensuring that his legacy continues to benefit families for years to come.
