Carlsbad walks to find hope
A participant at last year’s Mitchell Thorp Foundation Hearts for Hope Walk/Run supports CHS cheerleader Rebecca Edgin who died of Leukemia April 16, 2013. The Mitchell Thorp Foundation supports families whose children suffer from life-threatening illnesses.
The name Mitchell Thorp is well-known throughout the tight-knit community of Carlsbad. After falling victim to an undiagnosed illness in 2004, Mitchell Thorp was forced to fight battles no seventh grader should face.
Although he is no longer with us, the community honors his legacy.
“The Mitchell Thorp Walk is an annual event is hosted by the Mitchell Thorp Foundation to raise money for families with kids that have life-threatening illnesses and need financial, emotional and resource support,” said junior Julia Borla, member of the Mitchell Thorp Walk/Run junior advisory board.
Founded by Brad and Beth Thorp, Mitchell’s parents, the foundation was created to help families who are also battling childhood illnesses. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 1 on Thorp field at Poinsettia Park. Registration is still open for people interested in participating.
Whether or not attendees decide to participate in the race, there will be multiple activities for anyone who wishes to support the foundation.
“At this year’s event there will be a skydiver, a kid’s fun run, a 5k run and walk, multiple vendors and, of course, hot dog grilling by the Carlsbad firefighters,” said sophomore Lindsay Nipper, member of the MTF junior advisory board.
Not only is the race an enjoyable event for all ages, it is also a great way for people, especially high school students, to volunteer and get some community service hours.
“Anyone at Carlsbad High School can volunteer through the Mitchell Thorp website for the Walk/Run,” Borla said. “There are many things they can help out with including face painting, handing out water bottles, making balloon arches, checking people in and handing out shirts.”
For many, this fundraiser hits home because many participants of this walk/run were with Mitchell and his family during his time. A tradition for the past five years, the event has grown exponentially and has no intentions of slowing down.
“It’s really fun and family-oriented,” Borla said. “The Mitchell Thorp Walk/Run is a great event because it shows support for those in need throughout the community.”
