Carlsbad-based Mitchell Thorp Foundation assists families in their greatest time of need
The illness and passing of a child is the worst nightmare of any parent. Aside from the devastation of the loss, nearly 80 percent of families in these situations dissolve, with bankruptcy and family separation as frequent outcomes. Beth and Brad Thorp, long-time Carlsbad residents, have taken the strength demonstrated by their son Mitchell during his 5-year battle with an undiagnosed illness to form a foundation that honors him. The Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) provides financial and emotional support to families who desperately need to come through these tragedies.
"When Mitchell passed, it was extremely difficult. But we felt that there was nothing out there supporting families in similar situations," Beth said. "We wanted to provide a bridge for them by offering essential financial assistance as well as the vital emotional support they might not even realize they need."
MTF supports an average 10 families per month with average assistance of $2,500 a month. Even more impressively, they have been able to preserve 100 percent of the families that have come to the foundation since they started their services.
"We miss Mitchell every single day," added Brad. "But we are fortunate to keep his memory and spirit alive through the foundation. He was such a kind, gentle spirit – he would be proud of all the children and families MTF has helped."
MTF has two primary programs, the Medical and Home Assistance program and the Healing and Wellness program. Each of these programs is tailored to provide customized services that families need to relieve the hardship in their situations.
"We are overwhelmed with applications for assistance and it breaks our hearts to have to turn a family away," commented Beth. "We would like to be able to serve 20 families per month. Our two signature events, and individual donations, are the key to meeting our goal." The foundation is looking for corporate support in either direct donations or through sponsorship of their events.
MTF's two events, the Hearts for Hope 5K Run/Walk in February and the Pillars of Hope gala and fashion show in September, are both held in North County. The 5K takes place at Poinsettia Park in Carlsbad, where Thorp Field also honors Mitchell's battle. In 2015, the Thorps are unveiling many changes to the 5K in an effort to increase the size of the event and enhance their ability to help San Diego families.
Taking place on Saturday, Feb. 7, the 5K's new course will bring runners outside the park, while chip-timing will offer runners a precise measurement of their time. "Our first five 5K's have been extremely successful," noted Brad. "But, we really wanted to provide an even better experience for the San Diego running community. The new changes will accomplish exactly that."
Families have always been a big part of the 5K with food, music, health/wellness vendors and entertainment producing the usual fun atmosphere during and after the race. MTF has also made changes to enhance the overall family experience.
"We wanted to enhance the event for our families and walkers, as well," added Beth. "The new course will allow everyone to start at the same time, while our walkers can still enjoy the same park loop. And, of course, the children's 1K Fun Run will bring a smile to the faces of all the kids that come out with their families."
Information about the Foundation, as well as registration forms for individuals and teams for the 5K, can be found at mitchellthorp.org
The illness and passing of a child is the worst nightmare of any parent. Aside from the devastation of the loss, nearly 80 percent of families in these situations dissolve, with bankruptcy and family separation as frequent outcomes. Beth and Brad Thorp, long-time Carlsbad residents, have taken the strength demonstrated by their son Mitchell during his 5-year battle with an undiagnosed illness to form a foundation that honors him. The Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) provides financial and emotional support to families who desperately need to come through these tragedies.
"When Mitchell passed, it was extremely difficult. But we felt that there was nothing out there supporting families in similar situations," Beth said. "We wanted to provide a bridge for them by offering essential financial assistance as well as the vital emotional support they might not even realize they need."
MTF supports an average 10 families per month with average assistance of $2,500 a month. Even more impressively, they have been able to preserve 100 percent of the families that have come to the foundation since they started their services.
"We miss Mitchell every single day," added Brad. "But we are fortunate to keep his memory and spirit alive through the foundation. He was such a kind, gentle spirit – he would be proud of all the children and families MTF has helped."
MTF has two primary programs, the Medical and Home Assistance program and the Healing and Wellness program. Each of these programs is tailored to provide customized services that families need to relieve the hardship in their situations.
"We are overwhelmed with applications for assistance and it breaks our hearts to have to turn a family away," commented Beth. "We would like to be able to serve 20 families per month. Our two signature events, and individual donations, are the key to meeting our goal." The foundation is looking for corporate support in either direct donations or through sponsorship of their events.
MTF's two events, the Hearts for Hope 5K Run/Walk in February and the Pillars of Hope gala and fashion show in September, are both held in North County. The 5K takes place at Poinsettia Park in Carlsbad, where Thorp Field also honors Mitchell's battle. In 2015, the Thorps are unveiling many changes to the 5K in an effort to increase the size of the event and enhance their ability to help San Diego families.
Taking place on Saturday, Feb. 7, the 5K's new course will bring runners outside the park, while chip-timing will offer runners a precise measurement of their time. "Our first five 5K's have been extremely successful," noted Brad. "But, we really wanted to provide an even better experience for the San Diego running community. The new changes will accomplish exactly that."
Families have always been a big part of the 5K with food, music, health/wellness vendors and entertainment producing the usual fun atmosphere during and after the race. MTF has also made changes to enhance the overall family experience.
"We wanted to enhance the event for our families and walkers, as well," added Beth. "The new course will allow everyone to start at the same time, while our walkers can still enjoy the same park loop. And, of course, the children's 1K Fun Run will bring a smile to the faces of all the kids that come out with their families."
Information about the Foundation, as well as registration forms for individuals and teams for the 5K, can be found at mitchellthorp.org