Lauren  is a medical student at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the President of GW’s Heroes for Heroes D.C. (H4HDC) student club, where she leads efforts to connect fellow medical students with the superhero volunteering community in the D.C. area.

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Lauren received her BS at Vanderbilt University. She first found her passion for pediatric outreach during  high school,  where she volunteered at her local Children's Hospital and enjoyed interacting with patients there.

Now she volunteers with H4HDC dressed as Princess Belle.  Whether it’s a princess gown or another magical disguise, Lauren is passionate about bringing joy, empathy, and imagination to young patients facing tough battles.

"H4H has profoundly shaped my medical school experience by showing me the power of joy and human connection in healing. Despite the challenges pediatric patients face, H4H creates a space where they can step outside the hospital environment and simply be kids again. The laughter and smiles we share leave a lasting impact not only on them, but also on their families—some parents have even told us that we’ve “brought Disney to them” when they couldn’t make that trip themselves. Moments like these highlight how meaningful our presence can be and continue to shape the way I view patient care. With each visit, I grow into a more compassionate and empathetic future physician." 

Megan is a first-year medical student at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Vice President of GW’s Heroes for Heroes D.C. (H4HDC) student club.

She completed her undergraduate studies at Gettysburg College and is originally from Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. She has always had a passion for working with children, from babysitting in high school to nannying throughout her gap years, which has been a consistent and meaningful part of her journey. That passion was solidified when she volunteered at her first H4H event at Inova, where she realized that no matter which specialty she ultimately chooses, her future in medicine will be centered in pediatrics.

At H4HDC, Megan  brings Princess Ariel to life during visits. She is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for young patients and the community.

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"H4H has shown me the profound impact of simply showing up for those who need it most. I always look forward to spending time with the kids and seeing their faces light up the moment we walk in. Being able to bring joy to these families is incredibly meaningful, and even in the short time I’ve been involved, it has given me a new perspective on care and connection. I’m truly grateful for these experiences and excited to continue creating lasting memories with H4H."

Chris is a first-year medical student at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Director of Volunteering at GW’s Heroes for Heroes D.C. (H4HDC) student club. 

 

He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland and is originally from Frederick, Maryland. His passion for community outreach began during his time in college, where he volunteered with elderly populations across Washington, DC’s Wards 4, 5, and 6. These experiences sparked a deeper commitment to service, which has since grown into a dedication to supporting individuals of all ages, both within and beyond medical settings.

 

At events, Chris is dressed as Superman, but also enjoys dressing as Mr. Incredible too. She is passionate about building meaningful connections within the community, fostering joy, compassion, and a sense of belonging for young patients and their families. 

 

"Being part of Heroes for Heroes DC, and having the opportunity to help lead it, has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Working alongside dedicated physicians, community members, and fellow students brings energy and purpose to moments that can otherwise feel overwhelming. When kids get to meet their “heroes,” it is a truly unique privilege to know that your work has a purpose, and what better purpose than making kids smile. If you can take time out of your day to make someone smile, do it. Better yet, if you can be a “hero” for someone else, go be that hero!"

Zaynah  is a medical student at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Director of Social Media for GW's Heroes for Heroes D.C (H4HDC). 

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She completed her undergraduate studies at Rhodes College and is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. During her time in college, she developed a strong passion for working with younger populations, volunteering as a tutor for middle school students in English and math. She also co-founded Healing Harmony, an organization dedicated to bringing music and art to patients and the broader community. These experiences sparked her commitment to spreading joy and connection through service, a passion she continues to carry forward today.

 

At H4HDC events, she is dressed as Princess Snow White! 

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"Witnessing the meaningful impact of each interaction on children, families, healthcare providers, and the broader community is incredibly rewarding. I especially cherish our visits to pediatric hospitals, where we’re able to surprise patients, their families, and the staff—moments that are truly unforgettable. These experiences have deepened my passion for service and continue to strengthen my commitment to a future in medicine. They constantly remind me why I chose this path."