The Mitchell Thorp Foundation began in 2009 to give hope to families whose children are battling cancer, rare diseases, and critical medical conditions, by providing financial, emotional, and resource support to their desperate situations.
Mitchell Thorp was a bright young man, both scholar and athlete, known for his kindness and love of baseball. At age 13, his life changed when he developed a mysterious medical condition that went undiagnosed for five years. Through it all, Mitchell showed strength, faith, and courage. He passed away at 18, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His parents, Beth and Brad Thorp, turned their pain into purpose by creating a foundation built on compassion that ensures no family walks this difficult path alone.
When a child becomes critically ill, the entire family suffers. Medical bills rise, income drops, and emotional exhaustion sets in. The Mitchell Thorp Foundation was created to step in during these moments, offering immediate and compassionate support to families who have nowhere else to turn. Every 20 minutes, a child in America is diagnosed with a critical medical condition. Most families lose over half their income while struggling to keep up with housing, food, and medical expenses. More than 15 million children face rare diseases or chronic conditions, and one in 285 is diagnosed with cancer before age 20. The Mitchell Thorp Foundation exists to lift those burdens, restore hope, and keep families together through crisis.
The Foundation offers five unique programs tailored to each family’s journey. They serve 16 children’s hospitals across the country, and 100% of donations go directly to the programs as their operating costs are already covered. Payments go straight to vendors to ensure accountability. They also advocate for families with hospitals, offer crowdfunding for ongoing needs, and maintain Platinum transparency status on Candid.
To date, the Foundation has given back over $4.5 million in financial aid, emotional care, and resources. Families see a 25–50% reduction in medical and equipment costs, and every supported family has remained intact with a 100% success rate in preventing divorce. More than 8,000 gifts have been given to children and families over the years.
The Foundation has multiple programs that you can help fund including:
- Medical & Home Assistance – Covers medical treatments, rent, food, and transportation.
- Champion Day – Gives families joyful one-day experiences to create lasting memories.
- Healing & Rehabilitation – Supports therapy, counseling, and sibling programs.
- ADA Conversions – Funds home and vehicle modifications for children with disabilities.
- Youth Leadership Council – Develops leadership and volunteer skills to high school students.
From one young man’s courage, a movement of compassion continues changing lives, restoring hope, and helping families find strength in the storm.
www.mitchellthorp.org
