Philip's Christmas In July

Philip Thorpe was a happy, healthy toddler, until the day he was diagnosed at 2 years old with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a very deadly malignant tumor that starts in the Adrenal gland, and spreads throughout the body. He underwent aggressive Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, 2 surgeries, and a bone marrow harvest. Philip was in remission for a short time then the tumors came back... he lost his battle a few months before his 4th birthday. He is the inspiration for this event that his mom, Peggy, has kept going since his death. Each year around the time of Philip's birthday, She brings "Christmas" to the children in the hospital. For 21 years she worked exclusively with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. Beginning in 2014, her new venue is at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Peggy knows firsthand what these children go through  - constant testing - chemotherapy that makes them feel awful and wipes their immune systems completely out so that they can't fight off anything (a simple trip to any public place can render them seriously ill) - and many painful procedures.

For some of these children, July may be their last opportunity to celebrate "Christmas".  The joy this event brings to the children and their families, is so important! The distraction from everyday hospital living, and the interaction with our "Summer Santa" have literally changed a child that was feeling awful to a child that is laughing and playing and feeling happy!!

THANK YOU for making this possible.

Since 2016, this annual event is a part of the Philip Thorpe Memorial Foundation. An official 501(c)3 Non-profit Organization.