Mitchell Thorp Foundation

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SEPTEMBER IS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 

THIS IS THE TIME TO GIVE CHILD WARRIORS THE HOPE THEY NEED TO FIGHT FOR THEIR TOMORROWS

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDRENJOIN THE FIGHT WITH OUR LITTLE HEROS, LET'S GIVE TOGETHER!

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mitchell Thorp Foundation is to support families whose children suffer from life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and disorders by providing financial and emotional resources to their desperate situation. 

Our Purpose

To make a difference today for a child who is fighting for their tomorrow, while bringing hope, relief, and transforming lives in the process.

Learn More About Mitchell Thorp Foundation's San Diego Community

Each year over 2,000 children in San Diego County are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) frequently receives requests for financial assistance because there is a gap-an unmet need-in the community for young patients and their families. The families of those children face loss of income, financial instability, divorce, and bankruptcy. They face such a higher financial burden because the cost comes from both higher expenses and reduced income. Initial costs of childhood illnesses can be astronomical, and the on-going costs of treatment, caregiving, and pharmaceuticals can be financially devastating for a family. On top of this, typically one parent is forced to quit their job or take a leave of absence during their child’s treatment. Our greatest concern for these families is that they continue to have access to essentials including a roof overhead, food on the table, and paid utilities. 

When no other resources are available, MTF provides urgently needed support to families through our programs which bring immediate relief to very stressful situations and help create a sense of normalcy in the family environment. Through our Medical and Home Assistance Program, Healing and Rehabilitation Program, Conversion Van Program, and Youth Leadership Council, MTF has helped families navigate medical bills and have reduced medical and equipment costs up to 50% for MTF-sponsored families. Keep in mind that we assist San Diego’s most vulnerable families. 65% of the recent families served are considered low-income and 74% of our clients are people of color. 

We have a long history of offering Mini-Grants for families with critically ill children to request targeted funding for programs and services that address their family’s specific unmet needs. San Diego area social workers at hospitals including Rady's Children Hospital, Balboa Hospital, Tri-City Medical, and Kaiser Permanente identify and refer to us the most vulnerable children and families who are facing urgent needs. Our Mini-Grant program allows San Diego families with critically ill children to request mini-grants in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,500 to pay for a wide range of services including essentials. Help us support an additional 15 children and families on San Diego Gives Day.