When 9-year-old Mitch was in the hospital facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, he was surrounded by loved ones who brought him stuffed animals, video games, and anything a young boy could want.
His reflection? Why?
“There are so many other kids that aren’t getting what I have,” Mitch said.
This reflection led him to ask his parents to take all his savings so the other kids could feel the support that he did while in the hospital. He filled orange envelopes with the money, signed them XOXO, Love Mitchell, and delivered them while families were asleep.
This act of giving back was so meaningful that he told his dad that he wanted to do it again next year. His parents were very transparent with Mitch about his diagnosis, so his dad gently reminded him that he likely won’t be here next year.
Mitch did something next that showed compassion beyond his years. He made his dad pinky swear promise to help kids with cancer when he was gone.
Mitch passed away in 2003. Amidst their grief, Mitch’s family got to work on starting a foundation to keep the promise made with their son.
The family's first step was creating Miracles of Mitch, a foundation dedicated to carrying Mitch's compassion forward. Mitch’s favorite colors, orange and blue, became the foundation’s signature colors. Early fundraising centered around youth triathlons and local community events that brought families together while raising money to help children battling cancer.
As the organization grew, so did its vision. The mission expanded beyond honoring Mitch's memory to carrying forward the promise he made with his dad in that hospital elevator. The name Pinky Swear Foundation better reflected that promise, reminding every family, donor, volunteer, and supporter that one little boy's act of kindness had become a movement of compassion for families facing childhood cancer. Check out this throwback video of Mitch's parents announcing the change to Pinky Swear Foundation!
If Mitch were here today, he would see relief on families’ faces when they receive notice that their mortgages have been paid by the generous community at Pinky Swear.
He would see families paying for a tank of gas on the way to treatment with a Pinky Swear issued gift card.
He would see families taking time off from work to be with their child in the hospital, knowing that their utilities are covered for another month.
This mission would not be possible without Mitch. And it would not be possible without you.
Together, we can keep the promise to help kids with cancer and their families financially. Today, tomorrow, and until there is a cure for cancer.