Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited-edition series of 50 “Danica Strong” rifles to raise funds for the family of Danica Brianne Mulholland who, after battling pediatric brain cancer, lost her life at 12 years old. All proceeds from the Guns For Great Causes campaign will be presented to the Mulholland family of Levittown, Penn., in memory of Danica to assist with any remaining medical and funeral expenses.
“My heart is broken for Danica’s parents and sister,” said Henry Repeating Arms CEO and Founder Anthony Imperato. “We knew we needed to proceed with this special edition despite the tragic news of her passing, so my hope is the funds raised will give the family one less thing to worry about. Danica’s memory is going to live on through these rifles, and while she never got to see the final design, I hope that she is looking down on all of us with that big smile of hers.”
When most children were opening presents on Christmas Day 2018, Danica was undergoing a CAT scan at her local hospital due to a worsening headache and nausea that alerted her parents something being wrong. The results changed their lives forever when a three-centimeter lesion was found on Danica’s brain, leading to the official diagnosis of a grade IV medulloblastoma. Danica then underwent surgeries and a full course of treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) over the following three years.
“It brings tears of joy to us that Henry is honoring the memory of our precious Danica with such a beautiful rifle. The detail in the artwork capturing Danica’s bumblebee pillow pet is astonishing,” said Danica’s father, John Mulholland. “Those close to her know that bumblebee brought great comfort during her difficult journey. We are sure Danica is smiling ear to ear, looking down at all this.”
As Henry Repeating Arms began developing the “Danica Strong” rifles to help with the medical expenses associated with pediatric brain cancer, Danica succumbed to her illness. Even through her treatments, Danica’s kindness prevailed. In 2020, she made and donated thousands of homemade ear savers for healthcare professionals and fellow cancer patients in the Philadelphia area. Danica had an artistic, creative eye and wanted to be a makeup artist when she grew up. She was also a natural at archery and loved spending time at the shooting range.
The Henry “Danica Strong” Golden Boy .22 S/L/LR lever-action rifle features a design that is intricately engraved and painted by hand, depicting the “Danica Strong” tagline and a stuffed bumblebee companion that followed her throughout her battle. The flower petals on the wind represent the freedom and relief she now has from her ailments. The gray and gold ribbon recognizes the symbol of childhood brain cancer awareness. Baron Engraving of Trumbull, Conn., donated each rifle’s artwork, engraving and hand painting. The rest of the rifle follows suit with Henry’s award-winning Golden Boy platform, including a polished blued steel octagon barrel, genuine American walnut furniture, and fully adjustable sights.
To learn more about the Danica Strong Guns For Great Causes campaign or to purchase one of the limited-edition rifles, visit the special Henry rifles web page. The first and last rifles in the series are also up for auction on Gunbroker.com. The online auctions close on Aug. 10 at 9 p.m. Eastern.
