Every 20 Minutes, a Family’s World Changes Forever

Our Season of Hope

Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. For most

families, that moment is only the beginning. What follows is a whirlwind of hospital visits,

medical bills, sleepless nights, and uncertainty.

While the focus naturally turns to saving their child’s life, the ripple effects on the family can be devastating. Studies show that 72% of families lose more than half of their income while trying to keep up with housing, food, and medical care. Parents often have to leave their jobs to become full-time caregivers, siblings shoulder emotional stress, and the family’s stability is put to the test.

Behind these numbers are real families doing everything they can to hold on. More than 15

million children in the United States are living with a rare disease or chronic health condition.

And each year, 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before turning 20. These

staggering figures represent not just medical challenges, but emotional and financial crises that no family should face alone.

That’s where the Mitchell Thorp Foundation  steps in.

Our Season of Hope: Adopt a Family and Holiday Toy Drive programs started. This

program began with a simple goal: to make the holidays special for families whose lives have

been turned upside down by medical burdens. Over the years, that simple idea has grown into a

powerful tradition of generosity and connection.

Each winter, compassionate donors “adopt” families, fulfilling wish lists filled with not only

toys and gifts but also essential needs — groceries, clothing, household supplies and gift cards.

These gifts remind families that they are not forgotten that their community sees their struggle

and stands with them.

Thanks to the incredible kindness of our supporters, over 8,000 gifts have been given since the

program began. Each one represents a message of love and solidarity — from one family to

another.

The Power of Compassionate, Immediate Support

For the families we serve, every act of generosity matters. When parents can breathe a little

easier knowing there will be presents under the tree, or that their children can experience joy

despite the challenges they face, it brings more than comfort — it brings hope.

At Mitchell Thorp Foundation, we believe hope is just as vital as medicine. Our programs go

beyond financial relief; they help families stay strong, together, and resilient. In fact, 100% ofthe two-parent households we’ve supported through our broader programs have remained intact

— a testament to the healing power of community.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As the holidays approach, we invite you to be part of this story. Whether you donate, adopt a

family, or spread the word, your support helps families feel seen, loved, and cared for during

their most difficult times.

Together, we can turn heartbreak into hope — one gift, one family, and one act of kindness at a

time.