Apply for an Operation Surprise Attack Campaign

If your child is facing a severe or rare health challenge, we would love to learn their story. A parent, guardian, or anyone who knows their story can complete the application below for consideration for an upcoming card campaign.

Two sisters holding a handmade card and plush toys

Who we can serve

Operation Surprise Attack supports children ages 3 to 17 who are facing severe, chronic, rare, or life-threatening health challenges, including children undergoing major treatments, surgeries, or recovering from serious accidents.

Families must live within one of the counties in our service area.

Children may be referred by a parent or guardian, family member, teacher, nurse, friend, or someone else who knows their story. If you are referring a child who is not your own, please include contact information for their parent or legal guardian.

What happens next

Once an application is submitted, our team will review it and reach out to families selected for an upcoming campaign. We’ll take time to learn more about your child, their health journey, their personality, and all the things they love so we can create a campaign that is truly personal to them.

Your child’s privacy matters to us. We will only share information and photos with the permission provided by their parent or legal guardian.

If you’d like to speak with someone before applying, call (567) 331-2162 or email support@operationsurpriseattack.org.

Start the application
Start the application

Counties we serve

Map of the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan counties Operation Surprise Attack serves

Ohio

Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, Morrow, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, Wyandot

Michigan

Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Wayne

Recipient application

Parents, guardians and anyone referring a child can fill this out. Have a few photos of the child ready before you start.

  1. 1About the child
  2. 2Health
  3. 3The family
  4. 4Bio and photos
  5. 5Contact information

Step 1 of 5

About the child

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

Learn more about who we serve, what happens during a Surprise Attack, and how you can be part of making a difference.
Who can receive a Surprise Attack?

Operation Surprise Attack supports children and teens ages 3 to 17 facing serious, chronic, life-altering, or life-threatening health challenges. This may include children undergoing cancer treatment, living with sickle cell disease or other serious medical conditions, awaiting or recovering from a transplant, or recovering from a major accident, surgery, or other significant medical event.

We primarily serve families throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

How many cards does a child receive?

Most of our kids receive upwards of 1,000 cards or more during their campaign.

For several weeks, we share their stories with schools, churches, businesses, organizations, groups, families, and individuals throughout our community. Every card carries a simple but powerful message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not alone.

What does a family receive during a Surprise Attack?

Every Surprise Attack is created with the individual child and family in mind. Our kids receive hundreds, and often upwards of 1,000, heartfelt cards from people throughout the community, along with special gifts chosen specifically for them.

Families also receive financial assistance to help ease some of the everyday burdens that can come with caring for a child facing serious health challenges.

During our Holiday Wishes campaign, we extend that support to the entire household with gifts for the child and their siblings, along with special experiences the family can enjoy together and opportunities to make meaningful memories.

How far does OSA travel?

We primarily serve families throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, generally within about an hour to an hour and a half of Toledo.

Whenever possible, our team personally delivers each Surprise Attack. Being able to meet our families, celebrate their child, and place all that love directly into their hands is an important part of what we do.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Operation Surprise Attack is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

EIN: 87-3484307

Can my school, church, business, or group get involved?

Absolutely! Our community is what makes every Surprise Attack possible.

Schools, churches, businesses, teams, clubs, organizations, families, and other community groups can participate by creating cards for our current campaign, organizing a group card-making activity, volunteering, collecting needed items, supporting a family, or finding another creative way to get involved.

Reach out to us, and we’ll provide the current campaign information and help you find the perfect way for your group to participate.

Take Action

Let's Surprise the Next Child Together

Whether you give, volunteer, sponsor, or participate in a campaign, there’s a place for you to help us put Love in Action.
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