​About Us

​The John Drypen Foundation is a Michigan-based 501 (c)(3). This organization honors John Drypen, who passed away at the age of 22, after a life-long battle with a genetic disorder. Witnessing the struggles John faced and having admired the perseverance and positive outlook that he maintained throughout his short life, we were inspired to start this foundation. We strive to help other children and young adults who have experienced life-threatening illnesses.

How Do We Help?

In John’s memory, we realize our mission through three initiatives:

• First, by funding local charities’ “wishes” for children facing life-threatening illnesses. The Wishes are an escape for children who are finishing intensive health treatments. Over the past six  years we have sponsored six wishes. The Rainbow Connection is a charity we hold very close to our hearts. They grant wishes to children faced with life-threatening illnesses.  When John was 12 years old, he received a wish.  The go-kart that he received gave him new life and helped him while recovering from his bone marrow transplant.  We are so glad that, because of your generosity, we can give a gift to a child who is also suffering from an illness. This year, we are again able to “adopt a wish” and grant a complete wish for a child in John’s memory.
  
  
• Secondly, we fund and bestow scholarships to graduating seniors in SE Michigan who have experienced a personal or family health crisis. We choose our recipients based on their ability to overcome adversity while striving to fulfill their goals in higher education. We give out three scholarships per year.

 

• Finally, we provide charitable gifts and support to local families who have undergone a health crisis.  We help in the form of monetary donations, as well as gift cards for food and gas. These donations are aimed to help families with hospital travel and day-to-day needs while a loved one is undergoing treatment or overcoming a health crisis. As the founders of this organization have experienced first-hand, when facing a health crisis, the last thing you want to worry about is making ends meet. Our goal is to help ease those worries. Your donation will help us fulfill each of our three initiatives. The more funds we raise, the more families we will be able to help each year.  

           Since 2008 we have donated over $100,000.00 to families facing a health crisis. 

Mission Statement

“Our mission is to provide support, education and inspiration to families that have faced a life-altering health event.”