Stories From Our Families
Real families. Real stories. A lasting impact.

At 17, one of our recipients had relapsed with cancer and decided he couldn’t endure treatment again. Then a local school sent him nearly 450 handmade cards.

During one OSA campaign, Highland Elementary turned compassion into action, raising $10,000 to support four OSA families.

“OSA has been such a blessing to our family. Thank you for being the people who simply said, ‘We are here for you.’”

“There were so many cards, it would take weeks to get through them all! Honestly, this has been the coolest experience June has ever had. I absolutely love OSA’s mission and the people behind it. Thank you for doing this for June and for all the children and families you’ve reached.”
Your Questions Answered
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Let's Surprise the Next Child Together


