CHS Cheerleader with Leukemia and Other Children Get Help From Carlsbad's MTF Walk

Get your walking and running shoes ready for a good cause and help locals like 15-year-old CHS freshman cheerleader Rebecca Edgin who has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Edgin is one of several teens and children that will benefit from money raised at the 4th annual Mitchell Thorp Foundation “Whole Lot of Hope” 5K Run/Walk on Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. at Poinsettia Park, Thorp Field in Carlsbad. 

“We have been so touched by the outpouring of love from the foundation,” said Michelle Edgin, mother. “Now, I can focus more on Rebecca and her care, and on her siblings, instead of how I to deal with all the extra medications and copays. We look forward to walking in February!”

The Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) helps families with children sufferring from life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders. 

Beth and Brad Thorp created MTF in memory of their son, Mitchell, who passed away in November 2008, after a five-year battle to an undiagnosed illness.  During their heartbreaking ordeal, the community held a walk-a-thon to help them.  The Thorps formed MTF to continue the love and support they had experienced in their time of need.

Among the children MTF is also supporting are Amanda Barvinchak, 18, who had to forfeit her athletic scholarship, after being diagnosed with bone cancer; Levi Ryska, 3-1/2, who after recovering from a Crainopharyngioma tumor, causing pressure on his brain, is enduring several physical impairments that require ongoing physical and occupational therapies; Connor Dalby, 2, who continues to battle West Syndrome, the worst from of epilepsy that rarely responds to treatment; and the Rico children, Pria, 12, who is suffering with Recurrent Respiratory Papillmatosis, and recently had her 48th surgery on her larynx, and Tanner, 6, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

This year’s event will feature a one-mile Kids Run (5-12 years old), a 5k run/walk, the award-winning Carlsbad High School Band and cheerleaders, DJ, live entertainment, runners’ medals, raffle, prizes, vendor booths, and more. For information and to donate contact www.mitchellthorp.org or 760-603-8853.

Registration is $40 in advance or $45 day of the event.