Celebrating caregivers, inspired by Christopher’s journey
Caregivers carried Christopher his whole life. Now we carry them.
Parents, siblings, direct care staff and nurses give everything to people with disabilities, often with no rest and no thanks. The Christopher Smith Foundation makes sure they are seen, appreciated and given a chance to recharge. Your gift is how we do it.
A 501(c)(3) public charity based in Las Vegas, Nevada. EIN 82‑1801029. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Christopher Smith
1970 to 2019
Meet Christopher
“His sweet innocence and calming smile have shown us all what it means to be truly human.”
My son Chris was born with Down syndrome. He could not tell us where it hurt, and over the years Crohn’s disease, colitis and pneumonia left him fighting for his very life. Still, anyone who met Chris knew he was grateful for life. He was the happiest guy on the planet.
Our family spent countless hours by his side in care facilities, and we kept asking the same questions. How do we make sure these nurses feel appreciated? How do we inspire young people to choose this noble work? How do we help exhausted families like ours?
This foundation is our answer, and our living legacy for Christopher. The need for caregiving only grows. Let his story inspire you to help.
Linda Smith
Christopher’s mom, Founder and Chair
Linda has spent nearly 40 years as a disability advocate and fundraiser, and built one of the largest charitable organizations in the nation. Your gift is in caring, experienced hands.
Give today. Impact tomorrow.
Your donation goes to work right away. Every gift helps us thank and uplift the people who quietly hold families together.
Your gift, no matter the size, sends a powerful message: You matter. Your work matters.
Where your gift goes
Caregivers come in every form: moms and dads, brothers and sisters, direct care staff, nurses, group home leaders and volunteers. Our four programs reach all of them.
Christopher Cares
Rest for families who never stop
Caregivers often forget to care for themselves. We give family members who care for the profoundly vulnerable mini staycations and pampering, so they can recharge.
Christopher’s Caregivers
Gratitude for the professionals
Our volunteers bring thank you gifts to caregivers in hospitals, organizations and communities, and visit patients with disabilities to cheer them toward recovery.
Christopher’s Community
Volunteers who show up
From bedside respite to welcome baskets for new parents of children with disabilities, our volunteers bring kindness right where it is needed.
Christopher’s Cause
The next generation of caregivers
The need for caregivers grows every year. We award scholarships to qualified people who want to build a career in caregiving.
What a simple thank you means
Every month we honor a Caregiver of the Month. Here is what that recognition means to the families who receive it.
“Thanks to the Christopher Smith Foundation for recognizing parents like me in such a wonderful way.”
Mary
Caregiver Spotlight honoree
“She has a very kind heart, and I love her forever.”
Lilly
Caregiver Spotlight honoree
A legacy that reaches into research
People born with Down syndrome face a far higher risk of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Christopher’s family lived that reality, so the foundation now supports research to change it.
“We wanted more than monuments; we want cures so that other families get the help needed.”
Linda Smith, Founder and Chair
More ways to show you care
Read Linda’s books
Pick up “Unwanted” or “Confessions of a Sin City Fundraiser.” 100% of proceeds go to the foundation.
Book Linda to speak
Invite our founder to inspire your board, conference or community group with Christopher’s story.
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