As a father of three young children, nothing strikes a nerve with me more than when I hear about a child suffering from a life-threatening illness. And, I know that I learn of these situations for a reason and not just by chance. I recognize the amazing power of prayer and that even complete strangers can provide spiritual assistance to those in need.
These children and their families are my heroes for what they must endure. Knowing how the most minor of hurdles, like getting a child off of training wheels, can consume my mind; I can’t even fathom what their experiences are like. In addition to prayer, here’s another way you can assist families like this in our community. On January 22, the 2nd annual Mitchell Thorp Walkathon will be held at Carlsbad’s Poinsettia Park to raise funds for The Mitchell Thorp Foundation, a non-profit that was started by the Thorp family in memory of their son, Mitchell, who died in 2009 at the age of 18 after a long fight with an undiagnosed illness.
The Mitchell Thorp Foundation “supports families, whose children suffer from life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders. MTF ‘cares for the caregiver’ by providing both financial and emotional support to these families in their time of need.” Please visit their website, www.mitchellthorp.com, for more information on the walkathon or how to donate to the foundation. Again, it is Saturday, January 22, rain or shine, with 9am sign-in and 10am walk start. When on the website, please take the time to read “Mitchell’s Story.” You will realize that not only are you assisting families in need, but you are also honoring a true hero.