Introduction of Beth Thorp Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Beth Thorp, executive director and co-founder of the Mitchell Thorp Foundation.Beth is also an accomplished author, screenwriter, and national speaker who empowers people to overcome adversity and find purpose.She shares her message through various media platforms globally, spreading hope and inspiration. Founding the Mitchell Thorp Foundation Beth explains that the Mitchell Thorp Foundation was created in memory of her son, Mitchell, who passed away after battling an undiagnosed condition for five years.The foundation, started in 2009, helps families and children facing their own health challenges, providing financial and emotional support.Beth and her husband turned their grief into a mission, raising over $5 million to assist others in their community. Dealing with Tragedy Dr. Lycka shares his personal story of being misdiagnosed with ALS, emphasizing that doctors don’t always have the answers.Beth reflects on how rare diseases are often undiagnosed, as in her son's case, and how families rely on doctors who may not always have the solutions.Both discuss the uncertainty and challenges that come with medical diagnoses and the emotional toll they take on families. Safeguarding Marriages During Times of Loss Beth shares her five best practices for safeguarding marriages through the grief of losing a child: Unite as a team: Avoid blame and resentment, and work together to support each other.Open and compassionate communication: Be honest about fears and emotions.Seek support together: Share caregiving duties and decision-making.Prioritize self-care: Take time to care for oneself during overwhelming times.Find moments of joy: Celebrate small victories and live in the present moment. She emphasizes how important it is to stay united, as 80% of marriages end in divorce after the death of a child. Writing and Inspiration Beth shares how her book, A New Creation, took 10 years to complete.The memoir is an inspirational, faith-based account of her family’s journey through their grief and how they found meaning in tragedy.She discusses how faith played a crucial role, even when it felt like God was silent, and how she and her husband were able to find strength and purpose through their trials. The Importance of Support Systems Dr. Lycka and Beth discuss how essential it is to have a support system during tough times.Beth emphasizes the role of faith, support from others, and self-care in overcoming grief and adversity.She advises families going through similar challenges to reach out for help and not to feel ashamed of asking for support. Turning Grief Into Purpose Beth shares how her family's experience with grief fueled their desire to help others through the foundation.The foundation’s success in keeping families together during their most difficult times is one of their proudest accomplishments.Beth notes that her son's legacy continues to live on through the work of the Mitchell Thorp Foundation. BIO: Beth is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Mitchell Thorp Foundation. An accomplished author, screenwriter, and inspirational speaker, she empowers people to overcome adversity and discover purpose in their challenges. Leveraging her extensive media expertise, Beth creates tailored messages that deeply resonate with diverse audiences. Her influence spans across television, print, radio, podcasts, and public speaking, touching lives globally and spreading hope and inspiration wherever she goes. Social Media: Website(s): www.mitchellthorp.org www.anewcreation.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitchellthorpfoundation/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellthorpfoundation/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitchell-thorp-foundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EoVP0tQZhYY7_Ai_WROjw
