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he·ro's jour·ney /a ˈhirō's ˈjərnē/

 

  • A hero is defined by admirable traits like courage and nobility that manifest in selfless pursuits. In literature, The hero of our story faces a series of arduous trials that test their resolve, determination, and character. With every imposing challenge, they manage to overcome through perseverance and inner fortitude. Along their path, they glean profound, enlightening truths about themselves and the world around them. As the protagonist conquers what sought to conquer them, they emerge wiser for the wear - battle-scarred but illuminated by hard-won wisdom that will serve them on the winding road ahead. Where they once saw only barriers, they now spy signposts dotting the landscape, guiding their journey toward purpose.

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mission statement.

The Tobin Scott Foundation's, A Hero's Journey, cultivates the creative expression of children coping with critical illness or grief by offering compassionate writing guidance and community.

Are you ready to start your hero's journey?

who we are.

TSF's, A Hero's Journey, is a 100% donor-funded, creative writing program for children and teens.

Our team cultivates the creative expression of children coping with critical illness or grief by offering compassionate writing guidance and community.

We provide young writers with an empowering forum to process adversity through storytelling. Our thoughtful printing and publishing programs shine a comp
assionate light on their creativity and resilience for the world to witness. In exploring their experiences through writing, difficult emotions can be healed, purpose can be found in suffering, and hope revived.


 

With supportive, weekly writing mentorships, we enable young writers profoundly affected by life-limiting illness or grief to craft their narratives in story, amplifying messages that resonate with others experiencing hardship—spreading resilience, comfort, and purpose during the most difficult times.

 

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tsf programs
for young writers.

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The Tobin Scott Foundation is a non-profit serving critically ill or bereaved youth through the power of narrative. We assist children and teens in creating lasting written legacies that validate their experiences and voices. Our printing and publishing programs enable young authors aged 5-18 impacted by life-limiting illness or grief to share their distinctive stories with global audiences.

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Storybook Writing

Novel Writing

Legacy Writing

Storybook Printing (Ages 5-11): Our Storybook Printing Program includes a welcome kit for the student upon start. The students will meet weekly for up to 12 weeks with an award-winning author to write and illustrate their own hardcover book. This program includes guidance on incorporating the student's original illustrations into their printed book. At the end of the 12 weeks, the student will receive printed copies of their published hardcover book to share. To celebrate their accomplishment, they will also receive an author kit and an invitation to officially launch their book at our annual Young Author Celebration and book launch event. We center the well-being of emerging authors, surrounding them with an uplifting community and guidance to bolster their creative expression and empower young writers on their healing journey.

Novel Publishing (Ages 12-18): Our novel publishing program starts by welcoming each student with a specialized kit to launch their writing journey. Upon starting the program, the student will meet weekly with an author mentor for up to 24 weeks to draft, edit, and ultimately self-publish a paperback novel. The program also includes a professionally designed cover and an ISBN identification. Finally, we celebrate the student's accomplishment with an author kit and invitation to our annual Young Author Virtual Book Launch. With thoughtful guidance and celebration along the way, the program is designed to support, validate, and share in the healing experience with the young writer.

Legacy Program:  Our legacy program is specially tailored for pediatric patients who may be at end-of-life and would like to share their voice and their journeys. This program is meant to support families and palliative care departments. It is a carefully designed program to support the patient and their loved ones to share their legacy in any way they wish.  

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tsf authors.

 

 

We deeply appreciate the commitment of our distinguished authors who support our mission and guide grieving and critically ill children to share their stories. By compassionately imparting their literary skills to young writers who are struggling with complex medical conditions or loss, these acclaimed story crafters empower voices that uplift and endure through the Tobin Scott Foundation’s affirming printing and publishing initiatives.

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donations.

Or you can mail your donation to either of our offices:

Our Phoenix location:

Tobin Scott Foundation

21001 N Tatum Boulevard

# 1630-495

Phoenix, Arizona 85050

Our Minnesota Location:

Tobin Scott Foundation

7972 Victoria Drive

# 183

Victoria, Minnesota 55386

Thank you for being a part of our mission to serve our families!

TSF is excited to announce we now have two locations. Arizona and Minnesota!

Tobin Scott Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)3tax-exempt nonprofit organization.  As such, donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 

 

The Federal EIN of the Tobin Scott Foundation is 92-2808092.

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our gracious partners
&
affiliates.

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We wish to express our deepest gratitude for all who support the Tobin Scott Mission as we serve our families to share their stories of courage and strength.

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the tsf team.

At Tobin Scott Foundation, our mission is to provide young people with a platform to express themselves and share their stories. We understand the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on individuals, their communities, and the world. Our team is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to helping young people share their story. 

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Toby.

 

 

Tobin is our inspiration of courage and strength in the face of adversity. What amazing grace he showed through it all. Although far too short, we are incredibly grateful for the time we had with him and thankful for the legacy he was meant to share with the world. He is at the helm of all we do for our families.

Tobin Scott.

President of Courage,

Love, and Legacy.

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Chasity.

As the Director, Database Administrator, Chasity Wellnitz has served the Center for Heart Care and Quality Department at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since 2010. In addition to working with the STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database, Chasity is involved with numerous clinical registries. Her passions include using data to drive healthcare outcomes. Chasity obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Purdue University and a Master of Public Health and Epidemiology degree from the University of Michigan. Chasity has worked with the STS database for over 15 years and serves as a Core Group Member for the Congenital Heart Surgery Database and is involved in conference planning and database upgrades. She also serves as an STS database consultant. As an avid aficionado of shoes, LEGOS, and handbags, Chasity creates dashboards and pivot tables in her spare time.

Chasity Wellnitz.

Board Member.

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Bio coming soon...

Lynn Myhran.

Advisory Board Member.

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Nancy.

 

Nancy is a grounded, growth-minded, positive force who nurtures others to develop and flourish. She has grown individuals and teams in her own businesses and in leadership roles at several other companies. Nancy’s passion for marketing people, products and ideas started at an early age when she had created a candy store at the end of her sidewalk at her childhood home - reselling treats she bought at the local 7-11 to the neighborhood kids. She built on that experience and now is thrilled to be supporting the marketing efforts of the Tobin Scott Foundation. 

Nancy has two adult sons, lives in Minneapolis with her significant other and enjoys kayak fishing, reading and adventure travel!

Nancy Martinez.

Advisory Board Member.

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Melissa.

 

Melissa brings 20 plus years of experience in the social services industry to the TSF organization, as well as a master’s degree in writing for Children and Young Adults. Melissa is also a published author with four contracted middle grade books with Penguin Random House, one of the top five publishers in the US.  Most importantly, Melissa is Tobin's mom. Melissa found that the expression of grief through storytelling to be one of the most healing experiences she has had after the loss of her son.  It inspired her to support other families to share their own voices and legacies through the power of story.

Melissa Savage.

Founder, CEO and Board Chair.

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Anne.

 

Anne is a shareholder at Henson & Efron, P.A., where she practices exclusively in the area of family law, advising and guiding clients through the processes of divorce, custody, child support, maintenance, and complex property division matters. Anne is compelled by family law because on every level, it is about people’s lives. The most important thing a family law attorney can do is to know the client’s story. She is devoted to understanding a family’s history, current priorities, and future goals, so that she can strategically advocate for them. Minnesota Lawyer honored her as a 2020 Up & Coming Attorney, and she has been recognized as a Minnesota Super Lawyers—Rising Star (2017–2023), North Star Lawyer for pro bono service (2019-2023), and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch: Family Law (2021–2023). After graduating magna cum laude from the University of South Dakota for her undergraduate degree, Anne received her Juris Doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, with a Family Law and Civil Litigation Concentration.

Anne Haaland.

Board Member.

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Bio coming soon...

Blake Skaja.

IT Director and

Advisory Board Member.

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Jeff.

 

 

Jeff is a retired USAF officer and NASA Engineer with over 25 years of experience of leading multi-disciplined teams.  He controlled the launch countdown of the Space Shuttle and put 200+ astronauts, multiple nation security payloads, and scientific missions into space. Jeff is currently working on his master’s degree in Finance and Risk Management.  Most Importantly, he is Tobin’s dad. Tobin inspired Jeff to help others in need and he has volunteered time at Colorado Children’s Hospital. He realizes families deal with grief and trauma in several different ways. He is a firm believer art, literature, and music heals the soul.

Jeffery Savage-Skaja.

Board Member.

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Howard.

Howard is a Global Finance professional with over 20 years of experience in Program Controls, Project Management, Product Export Compliance, International Financial Management, SOX Controls, Financial Reporting, Internal and External Auditing, Contracting, Negotiating, Operations Management, Strategic Global Business Operations, and Financial Planning and Analysis in the Aerospace and Defense, Restaurant Services, and Financial Services Industries. He obtained his MBA in International Strategic Business from the University of Redlands.  He has an acute ability to understand and articulate the various aspects which make up a successful business, effectively communicate on all levels, and the ability to utilize MBA learned processes and models in all industries.  Howard has a deep passion for competition, technology, innovation, and service to his community.  He has extensive volunteering experience supporting International NGOs, and locally as a youth football, basketball, and soccer coach.  Most importantly, Howard is a loving Husband and father to three wonderful children.  

Howard Johnson.

Board Member.

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Bio coming soon...

Scott Savage.

Board Member.

testimonials.

thank you for your kind words.

Jessica - Chandler, Arizona

"I am so grateful to A Hero’s Journey program for the impact they have made in our lives. I hope this program grows and is able to help more families just like ours.”
writers at work.

writers at work.

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get in touch.
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