Interview of Dr. Puli with Countess Éva Csáky-Bornemisza, Founder of Smiling Hospital Foundation

Q.: When, and why did you come back to Hungary?

A.: I came to Hungary in 1994 to assist in manner and customs the Hungarian ladies, who were taking part of the welcome of Queen Elisabeth II.’s visit to Hungary. I was the only Hungarian speaking English diplomat’s wife at that time. I was happy to return home to assist.

Q.: Why did you create the Smiling Hospital Foundation?

A.: The memory in deepdown of the 1950-ies, when all historic families of Hungary had been deported, I walked together with other children barefooted on hurting rough ground… how sad we were then. The memory of that made me feel in later life that one day I will work for the happiness of sad children and to ease their loneliness in hospitals. When Dr. Albert Royaards initiated the concept of the Smiling Hospital Foundation, I felt this to be the right aim to give my utmost to work for the Hungarian children.

Q.: Why is the Smiling Hospital Foundation different from other Foundations?

A.: The Smiling Hospital Foundation works for two purposes: for the improvement of soul and body, making children happy in hospitals. At the same time my biggest wish would be to also support hospitals with medical equipment, to improve their hygien and to enhance higher standards, while already our foundation extended its activities in the smaller places in all provinces of Hungary.

Q: Is it true that you have also worked with Lady Diana?

A.: Yes, I have worked with the Princess of Wales, Princess Diana, during the period 1986 and 1990; the Foundation was called: “Help the Aged”. I assisted also with the Princess’s work extended to the Peto Institute of Budapest, Hungary.

Q.: Is it true that you would like to reach the Hungarians beyond the borders of Hungary? What is the future you dream for the Smiling Hospital Foundation?

A.: I wish the remaining part of my life to dedicate towards the happiness and wellbeing of my country and secondly I hope that our Foundation, the Smiling Hospital Foundation, would embrace the countries around us bringing all other nations’s children together: Slovakia, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia and Austria. All this to make the sick and sad children physically and psychologically stronger and happier around his region.