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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-18; Parks & Recreation Commission; 0509-5; Poinsettia Park baseball field naming proposalPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL AB#:0509-5 MTG. DATE: 05/18/09 STAFF: LANCASTER PROPOSAL TO RENAME BASEBALL FIELD #1 AT POINSETTIA PARK TO THORP FIELD n INFO [x] ACTION RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review a proposal to rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field, and make a determination of whether or not the Commission supports authorization by the City Council. ITEM EXPLANATION: In late February 2009, Carlsbad Youth Baseball President Tom Watson scheduled a meeting with Parks and Recreation Management Staff and Beth Thorp to discuss the concept of renaming Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field. At that meeting, staff was advised that the desire to rename Baseball Field #1 was in memory of Brad and Beth Thorp's late son, Mitchell Thorp. Mr. Watson and Mrs. Thorp provided staff with a synopsis of Mitchell's prior involvement in local baseball leagues and tournaments (including Carlsbad Youth Baseball and La Costa Youth Organization), and his general love of the game of baseball. Mrs. Thorp also informed staff of Mitchell's battle against a lengthy and mysterious illness, which ultimately resulted in his passing on November 18, 2008 - at the age of eighteen. She further explained that a Mitchell Thorp Fund had already been established, and it was now her intention to provide a perpetual scholarship to selected local youth baseball participants from that fund. In response to this request, staff provided Mr. Watson and Mrs. Thorp with a copy of City Council Policy #48, entitled 'Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities". Staff indicated that the authority to name or rename park amenities, such as a baseball field, lied with the City Council. Staff also suggested that a formal proposal for the renaming of this particular baseball field be submitted to Parks and Recreation Director Brian Albright, which would cause the item to be agenized for the Parks and Recreation Commission, and subsequently, for the City Council. City Council Policy #48 states in part that "The Parks and Recreation Commission shall be responsible for recommending the name of parks, facilities, and amenities within parks and for considering the renaming of parks every 25 years." The policy further indicates that when considering proposals, the Commission shall emphasize the following criteria: • Geographic location • Community significance • Historical significance • School name, when adjacent to a school • Individual person who shall have made a significant contribution to the City In early April 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Thorp submitted the attached proposal to rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field. Included with the submittal were photos of Thorp's proposed locations for the naming signage; "The Mitchell Thorp Journey", a chronicle created for a fund raising walk-a-thon that was held in Poinsettia Park on May 6, 2006; letters of support of the Thorp's proposal from the leadership of Carlsbad Youth Baseball, La Costa Youth Organization; and Carlsbad High School Baseball Program; newspaper articles on Mitchell Thorp's battle with the mysterious illness; and petitions, containing the signatures of approximately 1200 stated voters of San Diego County, to rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field. In late April 2009, staff met with Mr. and Mrs. Thorp at Poinsettia Park to review potential options and locations for the naming signage of this proposal. If the City Council were to authorize the renaming of this field, staff's recommendation for naming signage would be for the following: one brass plaque (17" x 17") - mounted on the scorer's booth wall, adjacent to this field; and one metal sign (12" x 42") - mounted on the backstop fence of this field. Such signage would be consistent with the naming signs of the previously authorized Brierly Field at Pine Avenue Park. FISCAL IMPACT There would be an insignificant direct fiscal impact to the city associated with this proposal. As submitted, the city would not administer - nor select the recipients of - the Mitchell Thorp scholarships. The potential naming signage would be purchased from the Mitchell Thorp Fund. The installation and maintenance costs associated with these sign additions would be minimal. EXHIBITS: 1. Poinsettia Community Site Map 2. City Council Policy #48, 'Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities' 3. Proposal of Brad and Beth Thorp to Rename Baseball Field #1 at Poinsettia Park to Thorp Field EXHIBIT 1 E nnmMii[iiiMTMiiii;B -^ urni'" 'i,iinunJHIIIu i. T- CM €•>in «o h- co o> " EXHIBIT 2 CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 1 of 4 Policy No. 48 COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued m/ifi/07 Effective Date 03/16/07 General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date Supersedes No. Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities Within Those Facilities Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File BACKGROUND: The intent of this policy is to: • Confirm the current practice of naming parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities, after significant geographical, neighborhood and historical elements; • Recognize significant contributions that organizations or individuals have made to the public life and the well-being of the citizens of the City of Carlsbad; • Provide guidance on how to apply for approval to name or rename parks, facilities, and amenities within those facilities; • Expand the current practice of naming parks to include all appropriate municipal facilities and any amenities within a park or municipal facility. PURPOSE; To revise and establish the criteria and procedures for the naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within a park or municipal facilities in consideration of financial contributions or in recognition of any significant contributions to the City of Carlsbad that it wishes to honor. STATEMENT OF POLICY; There are three types of naming situations this policy intends to address: • The opening or reopening of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities; • Providing recognition of financial contributions to the City of Carlsbad; • Honoring persons, organizations, corporations, or foundations in recognition for their significant contributions to the City of Carlsbad. Criteria for Naming Rights: • Honors individuals, living or deceased, who have made a significant contribution to the City of Carlsbad; • Consistent with contribution level; • Longstanding affiliation with the City; EXHIBIT 3 CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 2 of 4 Policy No. 48 COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued 01/16/07 Effective Date m General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date Supersedes No. Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities Within Those Facilities Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File • Provides a sense of place, continuity and belonging reflecting the geographic location, community, neighborhood or street where the park, municipal facility or amenity within the facility is located; • Recognizes the historical and/or cultural significance of the area; • Reflects unique characteristics of the site. Names will not be chosen that: • Cause confusion due to duplication or names sounding similar to existing locations within the City of Carlsbad; • Are the names of companies whose business is substantially derived from the sale of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, pornography, and/or sexually explicit goods or services; • Are discriminatory or derogatory considering race, gender, creed, religious or political affiliation, or other similar factors; • Recognize the birth, marriage or anniversary of specific individuals. The City of Carlsbad reserves the right to reject or revoke naming rights opportunities by individuals, groups, or organizations whose views or public statements do not promote the mission, norms and values, or interests of the City. Names of persons, organizations, corporations, or foundations will be considered when they have made a significant contribution to the City of Carlsbad by: • Enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the City and its Citizens; • Contributing to the historical or cultural preservation of the City; • Contributing toward the acquisition, development, or conveyance of land or building to the City; • Exemplary or meritorious contributions to the City; • A direct relationship or association that exists between a former place of residence of the person or group and the parks, facilities, and amenities within those facilities to be named. Where the name of an individual is recommended after an internal discussion, written consent shall be obtained from the individual, their next of kin, or their estate prior to the City Council's public consideration. CTTY OF CARLSBAD Page 3 of 4 Policy No. 48 COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued 01/16/07 Effective Date 01/16/07 General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Cancellation Date Supersedes No. Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities Within Those Facilities Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File Where the naming opportunity is the result of a financial contribution, the following factors must be considered: • The significance of the contribution made relative to the construction and operating costs of the parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities; • The cost of establishing the naming option (costs to be determined by the responsible Department on an individual basis). The duration of naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities shall be decided or negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Naming rights of parks, municipal facilities, and amenities within those facilities may be renewed by mutual agreement between all the parties. Existing names will not be changed without consideration of the historical significance of the existing name, the impact on the individual or organization previously named, the cost and impact of changing existing signs, rebuilding community recognition and updating records (i.e. letterhead, databases, and promotional materials). Each naming right application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. PROCEDURE: Applicant(s) shall submit a written request for naming rights to the corresponding Department Director, with justification to aid in considering the proposal. The proposed name shall be placed on the Board and/or Commission agenda (if required), allowing appropriate time for review by the Board and/or Commission and subcommittee if necessary, and to publicize and receive input from the public at the Board and/or Commission meeting. The Board and/or Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for their determination of the official name. In the case of City-sponsored support groups raising funds on behalf of the City (i.e. Friends of the Library and/or Friends of Carrillo Ranch), it will be necessary to establish naming rights gift levels prior to soliciting gifts and offering naming rights to prospective donors. No final commitment to name a park, municipal facility or amenity within the facility can be made to a potential donor without the appropriate it ^ CTTY OF CARLSBAD Page 4 of 4 Policy No. 48 _ COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued m Effective Date 01/16/07 General Subject: NAMING RIGHTS OF PARKS AND MUNICIPAL FACDJTIES Cancellation Date _ Supersedes No. _ Specific Subject: Naming Rights Of Parks, Municipal Facilities, And Amenities Within Those Facilities Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File approvals as outlined within this policy. The support groups will first establish recommended gift levels for naming rights. The recommended gift levels will men be submitted to the corresponding Department Director for its review and then submitted to the corresponding Board and/or Commission. The Board and/or Commission's recommendation on the gift levels will then be forwarded to the City Council for its final approval prior to the support group soliciting donations for naming rights. 9 EXHIBITS THORP FIELD PROPOSAL General Sublect: To change the name of Poinsettia Park Field 1 to "THORP FIELD", as part of an overall plan to create an on-going living memorial and a perpetual scholarship fund to help under-privileged kids play baseball. Background: The Thorp family, along with the many Carlsbad citizens who have signed our petitions, would like to propose that the City of Carlsbad honor and recognize the significant contributions that Brad Thorp, and his son Mitchell, have made to the public life of the citizens of Carlsbad and to the baseball community. Mitchell Thorp fought a long, hard battle that ended with his passing November 19, 2008; and the story of Mitchell's journey has touched many hearts in this community and throughout the United States. Mitchell's journey was reported widely in the media as we tried to find answers to his condition (See inserts under "Media"); and he fought with all his might to stay here with us. Mitchell started playing baseball at the age of four, and he became an outstanding player for the La Costa Youth Organization (LCYO), playing on several tournament teams. Mitchell's father, Brad Thorp, played in the Dodger organization prior to suffering an injury, and he coached Mitchell and his younger brother Matthew for many years. Brad served on the Board of LCYO for seven years, and he has also coached for 12 years within LCYO and the Carlsbad Youth Baseball (CYB). Throughout Mitchell's illness, Brad continued to serve the community as a coach and clinic instructor in CYB; and he continues today to assist the pitchers in Carlsbad High School. Brad plans to continue his association and support of the local baseball community for many years to come. Criteria for Naming Rights: The Thorp Family - along with the 1,000+ Carlsbad citizens who signed the attached petitions (See section of signed petitions) - feel that the three criteria of the Carlsbad City Council Policy 48 ("Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities") have been met by this proposal. Benefits & Reasons for naming Poinsettia Field 1 "THORP FIELD". 1. Poinsettia Field 1 is the natural location for "THORP FIELD" for three reasons. a. Walkathon Legacy: Poinsettia Field 1 was the site of Mitchell's first "Walk-a-thon", an event at which the community rallied around Mitchell, and where nearly $100,000 dollars was raised for his medical expenses. b. Proximity to home. Poinsettia Field 1 is near the home in which Mitchell was raised; and THORP FIELD PROPOSAL c. Poinsettia Field 1 was one of the last fields where Mitchell played ball. 2. This Proposal has the support of the baseball community of Carlsbad. The LCYO, CYB and CHS leadership have all expressed their enthusiastic support for our efforts. These fine organizations are the primary users of Poinsettia Field #1, and they believe that this name change will enhance the quality of the facility by preserving an important element of their history. (See letters of support) 3. We propose to provide a perpetual scholarship to be awarded to one player in each of the youth leagues to play baseball. This scholarship will be tied Into La Costa Youth Organization and Carlsbad Youth Baseball application process at the beginning of each season. 4. We propose that a Mitchell Thorp Award be offered to honor one player from each league who has demonstrated exceptional baseball talent and outstanding citizenship in their league; to be awarded on Championship Saturday. 5. As opportunities arise, it is our intention to continue sponsoring annual events - like Baseball trainings, workshops and soft ball games - to raise money to help under-privileged kids play baseball, and to contribute to the perpetual scholarship. 6. We propose that the signage for "THORP FIELD" will be paid for out of the Mitchell Thorp Fund, using referrals from the City for design and fabrication. We will submit back to the City for approval. (See attached photo's for location and placement) 7. The Mitchell Thorp Fund has already been established, and Mitchell Thorp's web site is up and running at: www.mitchellthorp.com Mitchell's entire family, and a great many members of the Carlsbad community, believes that his memory should live on for the sake of all those who loved him so much; and the establishment of "THORP FIELD" will ensure that legacy. All of those who loved Mitchell will be greatly honored to see "The Mitchell Thorp Journey" continue on for the benefit of others. Sincerely, faj The Thorp Family Proposed signage i locations a) Behind home pJlate b) Off main park access road, behind CF fence Proposed plaque ^location: (behind home plate: near field si CYB P.O. Box 4475 Carlsbad, CA 920 18(760) 599.3210 Carlsbad Youth Baseball www.carlsbadyouthbaseball.org February 27, 2009 RE: Thorp Family Living Memorial Atta: Carlsbad Community Members Dear Friends, The purpose of this letter is to offer our endorsement and full support for the Thorp Family proposal for a Living Memorial to include the re-naming of the large ball field at Poinsettia Park as Thorp Field. As many of you are aware, our community suffered a great loss last November with the passing of Mitchell Thorp at the age of 1 8. Mitchell's life was tragically altered by a mysterious illness that took over his body five years earlier. During these last years, Mitchell was in frequent pain and suffering, yet his spirit never diminished, nor did his dream of one day returning to the baseball diamond that he loved so much. Mitchell started playing ball at five years old, and became an outstanding player for the La Costa Youth Organization (LCYO) and played on several successful tournament teams. Mitchell's father, Brad, a strong prospect in the Dodger organization prior to injury, coached Mitchell and his younger brother Matthew and served on the LCYO board for several years. Throughout Mitchell's illness, Brad continued to serve the community as a coach and clinic instructor in CYB, and continues today to assist the pitchers in Carlsbad High School. Brad plans to continue his association and support of the local baseball community for many years to come. Mitchell was known in the community as much for his enormous smile, passion for life, amazingly positive spirit, and never-ending faith. In 2006, after hearing of Mitchell's illness, the community rallied with a walkathon event for Mitchell's benefit. Several hundred friends and supporters attended, and nearly $1 OOK in medical expenses were raised. It was a day of great hope and formed lasting memories for all who participated. The she of this event is the proposed location for Thorp Field. We believe that Mitchell's remembrance within the community should not end, for the sake of the family AND the community that loved Mitchell so much. Establishment of Thorp Field will ensure this. At the same time, this field will provide a natural outlet for the projects mat the Thorps are planning to undertake to give back to the community. These projects, carried out at Thorp Field, form the basis for the Thorp Famify Living Memorial. This memorial will be an ongoing benefit to the community. Warmest personal regards, Tom Watson President Carlsbad Youth Baseball president@carlsbadvouthbaseball.org www.carlsbadyoathbaseball.org February 27,2009 RE: Thorp Family Living Memorial Attn: Carlsbad & Encinitas Community Members Dear Friends, The purpose of this letter is to offer our endorsement and full support for the Thorp Family proposal for a Living Memorial to include the re-naming of the large ball field at Poinsettia Park as Thorp Field. As many of you are aware, our community suffered a great loss last November with the passing of Mitchell Thorp at the age of 18. Mitchell's life was tragically altered by a mysterious illness that took over his body five years earlier. During these last years, Mitchell was hi frequent pain and suffering, yet his spirit never diminished, nor did his dream of one day returning to the baseball diamond that he loved so much. Mitchell started playing ball at five years old, and became an outstanding player for the La Costa Youth Organization (LCYO) and played on several successful tournament teams. Mitchell's father, Brad, a strong prospect in the Dodger organization prior to injury, coached Mitchell and his younger brother Matthew and served on the LCYO board for several years. Throughout Mitchell's illness, Brad continued , to serve the community as a coach and clinic instructor in CYB, and continues today to assist the pitchers in Carlsbad High School. Brad plans to continue his association and support of the local baseball community for many years to come. Mitchell was known hi the community as much for his enormous smile, passion for life, amazingly positive spirit, and never-ending faith. In 2006, after hearing of Mitchell's illness, the community rallied with a walkathon event for Mitchell's benefit. Several hundred friends and supporters attended, and nearly $100K in medical expenses were raised. It was a day of great hope and formed lasting memories for all who participated. The site of this event is the proposed location for Thorp Field. We believe that Mitchell's remembrance within the community should not end, for the sake of the family AND the community that loved Mitchell so much. Establishment of Thorp Field will ensure this. At the same time, this field will provide a natural outlet for the projects that the Thorps are planning to undertake to give back to the community. These projects, carried out at Thorp Field, form the basis for the Thorp Family Living Memorial. This memorial will be an ongoing benefit to the community. Phil Urbina President La Costa Youth Organization www.lcvo.org CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL 3557 Lancer Way, Carlsbad, California 92008 LANCER BASEBALL PROGRAM 2009 http://www.lancerbaseball.ora Dave Walker Booster President March 28, 2009 Carlsbad City Council Re: Mitchell Thorp Memorial Dear Members of the City Council, The Carlsbad community recently lost an 18 year old boy, Mitchell Thorp, to a mysterious illness. Mitchell was sick for dose to five years before his illness took him from this community...but this fact is simply just one chapter in the story of his incredible Journey. The impact that this young man and his family have had on the community of Carlsbad is bigger than life itself and serves as reminder of what really matters. Many of us in Carlsbad personally witnessed the courage of Mitchell and his family as they dealt with this very difficult situation. The way in which their entire family stepped up to the challenges rallied this community and has become an inspiration for many. Words such as "Love", "Commitment", "Honor" and "Courage" take on new meaning when you have been touched by the Thorp's. Mitchell's time on this earth was cut snort, but I can assure you that this young man and his family have made a tremendous impact on the community and the citizens of Carlsbad. An appropriate memorial will help to continue to inspire the community of Carlsbad. It will serve as a reminder of the important things in life that go beyond personal wants. The Carlsbad High School Baseball Booster dub strongly supports the efforts to name the large baseball field at Poinsettia Park to honor Mitchell Thorp and his family. This memorial will be another important chapter in Mitchell's Journey for years to come. Thank you for your sincere consideration of this worthy project. Sincerely, ji // Dave Walker President Carlsbad High School Baseball Booster Club Bobbie Ankenbrandt 1005 Whimbrel Court Carlsbad, CA 92011 March 4,2009 Dear Ann, I know you are familiar with the tragic story of Mitchell Thorpe, a Carlsbad teenager who battled a mysterious illness for four years before his death in November, 2008. As friends struggle to look for means of consolation, a memorial in Mitchell's memory has been suggested. Since baseball was an important focus and passion in his life, connecting the two seemed to provide the answer. I am writing to ask the Council's approval to name the baseball field at Poinsettia Park (where Mitchell and his brother played, where his Dad coached, and where his Mom cheered!) "THORPE FIELD". Upon Council approval, sponsors and supporters of this cause would, of course, be responsible to provide the funds to implement an appropriate commemorative inscription of this memorial and its placement at the field. Thank you for giving this your priority consideration. Bobbie Ankenbrandt the Mitchell Thorp journey From the friends of the Thorp's. Mitchell is unable to walk, talk or see and his family needs our help. Here's their story. Mitchell Thorp, a wonderful 15 year old boy, has grown up in Carlsbad, California with his mom Beth, his dad Brad, and his 13 year old brother Matthew. He attended Aviara Oaks Elementary and Aviara Middle School. Mitchell's life has been about family, friends, sports and his incredible passion for baseball. Mitchell's dad pitched AA ball with the Dodgers and has a true "love of the game". Mitchell and Matthew have followed in their father's footsteps and have grown up participating in baseball at every opportunity. Mitchell started in the LCYO (La Costa Youth Organization) league, at the age of 5, playing T-ball. He continued through the Bronco division playing on every all-star team and tournament team he could. All the while, Brad was head coach for both Mitchell and Matthew and sat on the board of LCYO for 7 years. After Bronco, Mitchell left the league to play competitive travel baseball. His brother and dad were introduced to CYB (Carlsbad Youth Baseball), where Matthew is currently playing Pony with Brad as his coach. In February 2004, the middle of Mitchell's seventh grade year, he started experiencing severe headaches. After several attempts with different doctors nothing relieved his pain. Then, in September 2004, as Mitchell was starting his eighth grade yea^ it became increasingly difficult for him to concentrate. Mitchell had always been a top student and very disciplined with his studies; bat it became apparent the pain was so severe that Mitchell would have to continue his studies at home In October 2004, Mitchell was checked into Children's Hospital for a complete workup. After three days of MRI scans, CT scans, extensive Mood worknp, and other tests, Mitchell' and his parents left the hospital with no answers. The tests all came back negative/normal with no diagnosis made or cause found. The next focus was a possible TMJ or cranial problem from wearing braces for the past two and half years. But after several months of treatment locally nothing relieved the pain and, in fact, it continued to increase. The Thorps were desperate for help and flew Mitchell to Florida to see the most reputable cranial doctor in the country. While being treated in Florida, Mitchell started to experience myoclonic seizures; his body began to tremor, and the doctors encouraged Beth and Brad to take Mitchell home. Once again the Thorps were left with no answers, and Mitchell's health continued to decline. There was no relief for his pain. Mitchell was again admitted to San Diego Children's Hospital in June 2005. And again he underwent MRI's, lumbar punctures, blood workups, and a very complete series of tests. The neurologists, psychiatrists, hospital physicians, as well as others who were brought into this case, had no answers for what was happening to Mitchell. His appetite was decreasing at an alarming rate. He had lost 35 pounds and was now unable to either feed himself or walk » In July 2005, shortly after leaving Children's Hospital, Mitchell was admitted into the UCLA Pain Center. While there, Mitchell's pain was so intense that the myoclonic seizures became constant and the tremors continuous. Mitchell spent most of his time unconscious because the pain was so severe. UCLA did yet another series of tests. Watching their son suffer in these conditions, while waiting for the test results was a gut wrenching experience. Beth and Brad took turns staying at UCLA Hospital so Mitchell would never be alone. They spent many nights walking the halls or in the UCLA medical library looking for their own answers to Mitchell's pain. But as test results started coming back; one after another the answers were negative. There were again no findings. The doctors could no longer give them the hope they so desperately sought. The Thorps were faced with a very difficult decision. Considering Mitchell's condition, where could they go? After 30 days at UCLA and what seemed to be very little time left, the Thorps returned home. They contacted a doctor and a nutritionist who agreed to work with Mitchell at home. Their first goals were to attempt to reduce his pain and to dramatically increase his nutrients. As a result of their treatments, Mitchell's pain has decreased; he is spending much of his time awake; and his tremors and seizures have virtually stopped. For the first time, in a very long, very stressful time, there is hope. The doctor's diagnosis is heavy metal toxidty coupled with a viral infection, which affects the central nervous system. The goal now is to remove these metals from his body, so it can be restored to its original function. Mitchell is currently going through a number of therapies to achieve this goal He has come a long way, but there is a long way to go. He still cannot walk although he can get himself out of bed and scoot on the ground. He still cannot open his eyes, although it appears that one eye will lift half way. He still cannot speak It is Mitchell's hope, and the hope of all those around him that, as these metals are detoxed from his body, all of these functions will return. Please join us in supporting the Thorp family as they have accumulated enormous medical expenses in trying to find a cure for their son. Mitchell's current and past medical expenses have reached heights far beyond the Thorp's insurance coverage. We are asking for donations to help cover these expenses and to provide continuing care. Donations may be brought to Opening Day Ceremonies at CYB and LCYO with checks made out to "The Mitchell Thorp Fund" or you may send your check to: The Mitchell Thorp Fund Arm: BlancaMunoz US Bank 1074 North El Camino Real Endnitas, CA 92024 If you require further information please contact Terri Healy at tehealy@pacbell.net or Tom Watson at 4padrefans@adelphia.net. We greatly appreciate all of your help and support. www.mitchellthorp.coTn I L f ATTH 7 rr The San Diego Union-Tribune I NORTH COOMTYISunda- "ay a. 2006 COMMUNITY SPORTS g (rkjkt) vtatts wit* U-yMT-oM MttdMtt Thorp and Ms tatter Brad Thorp (top left) ittlwTliorp HELPING HAND NBA's Mutoinbo joins fight in Carlsbad teenager's battle to overcome mysterious illness By O!«l Alfarri COMMUNITY SPORTS WRITER CARLSBAD—Only a mother could un- derstand whal her aaa, unable to speak or rtunrpimif^tfo hi« rtwigttf^ *ya« tfiinlnrqg at the time- As NBA star DikembeMutooibo leaned toward MitcheD Thorp, his room knew herboy was doing he belt to focus his dizzy and yp"njn£ vision oo Mutioaibo's ***** 22 shoes. "I knew he was looking at (Mutombo's) feeC Bern Thorp said. "I had to say m* to get a rise out of him." - During Mutorabo'svisit with Mitchell at me Thorns'Carlsbad home last weekend,the 7-ioot-2 center far the Houston Rodias told Beul he was surprised to see a smile on the face of a mother who has confronted somuchadversty. "You know where that strength comes from," Beth Thorp said. Mutombo nodded. nfaMwyair family has very strong be- liefs," he said. Tte Thorp tarniry then presented Mu- tombo a MitcheB Thorp Foundation cap and visor with Mitchells favorite Bible verse inscribed under the bill—"Joshua 1.9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not he terrified; do not be discouraged, far the Lord your Godwffl bewjthyouwbereveryougu,"Nodding his bod, Mutombo said in hfe resonant voice, "PowerfuL" to' April 2005. before Mitchell lost his abffity to speak, his parents gave him a new puppy, which he nanwd Joshua after the Bible verse. For two years, Mitchefl, 15, has suffered from a mysterious ailment An active base- ban pbyer from age 5, MJtoben began get- ting headaches that wrseDed to the point where doctors kept him sedated to mid (he pain. Tliree times the Thorps admitted their ana to (be hospital for tests,but Ibere were ao answers. Doctors were baffled and Mitchell wasntgetting better. Late last summer, the Thorps asked Dr. ' Jim Murphy, an osteopath, to treat MitcheB at home. FBiaBy, the famiryreceired some answers and fek some hope. Accon&« to The MitcheJ Thorp Foun- dation Web site, Murphy diagnosed lieavy mead tonaly coupled wimaviralinfcctioo, which affects the central nervDua system." Once nutrinonist Kta Schuette set about changing Mitchell's diet and surroundings to organic foods and materials, the famfysaw ojjki improvement in Mttcheffs con- dition.After caretakers complete their efforts to rid Mitchell of the metals his body has been unable to process, his famfly hopes he wiD make a complete recovery. But no one can say how long that might take. Although the pain has subskkd and Mitchell was fnaDy able to open bis eyes a few weeks ago, he's not yet able to wai or talk. Schuette sad be is aware of what is going on around him.Mutombo learned about Mitchell's pngto while visiting Poroerado Hospital bat week. The native of the Democratic Repubfic of the Congo has partnered with PalonwftraeradoHealthtDbuiklaSaO miffian hospital in the Congo's capital city Kinshasa. Named one of the most generous ath-letesinaFcKSportsxomartideearBerthis year, Mutombo Bved up to his reputation, Ajoaing $5,000 to the MitcheD Thorp Foundatkm. "Ks a blessing people can help us," Bethsaid. "We're able to stay where we are and iocus on the healing rather dian the stress of the finances. Otherwise we'd be selling the house.* Fart of the mission of the foundation is •to develop a Web site for families going through sunQar ordeals. "We were so mystified," said Beth Thorp, who quit her job to be a fulkirne caretaker for Mitchell "We had to do so much research on our own. The goal through the Web site is to help other fami- lies cut to the chase,"Beth said Mutombo, who turned 40 on Wednesday; brought joy to her ailing aon and his younger brother, Matthew. Mutombo signed a basketball and dunked another basketball into a net on the family's backyard courtOne friend who shared the moment with the Thorps told MitcbeD's father. Brad, who pbyed minor league baseball in the Dodgen organization, that Mitchell may deckle to pty basketball instead of base- ball once he's recovered. Information on how to help is available at mitchellthorp.com 01(1 Altar* (619) 293-1829; giaUlfom»unPontribxom BBH^ """""mB" Bi COPY rf >i fD