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
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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
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