About The Dylan Project

Three children sitting on a couch surrounded by wrapped Christmas presents and a festive banner in the background that says 'Happy Birthday'.

Our Story & Mission

Where One Child’s Legacy Became a Community of Hope

Founded in 2012, The Dylan Project was created from one family’s simple but powerful belief: no child fighting cancer should ever feel forgotten — especially during the holidays. What began as an effort to bring joy to a single child has grown into a multi-state nonprofit movement supporting dozens of families each year.

Created in honor of a brave young boy named Dylan, the organization continues his legacy by delivering gifts, easing financial strain, and creating joyful moments for children and their siblings during unimaginably difficult seasons. Every gift is more than a present — it’s a reminder that these families are seen, supported, and surrounded by compassion.

Gold-colored award trophy shaped like a cross with a vertical and horizontal arms, mounted on a black base.

  • To bring hope and joy to families affected by childhood cancer during the holiday season — and throughout the year — by delivering gifts and creating special moments for children and their siblings. We strive to ease the burden on families facing challenging circumstances, ensuring that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.

  • To create a community where no family facing childhood cancer ever feels alone. By expanding our reach and deepening our impact, we aim to bring comfort, joy, and relief to families while fostering lasting togetherness, generosity, and compassion.

  • The Guiding Light Behind Every Gift

    Compassion – We lead with empathy, kindness, and genuine care for every child and family we serve.
    Community – Our work is powered by neighbors, volunteers, donors, and businesses coming together for one purpose.
    Joy – Every child deserves happiness and moments of wonder, no matter the diagnosis.
    Commitment – We show up consistently, year after year, growing our reach and deepening our impact for the families who count on us.

  • The Dylan Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and proudly operates with full inclusivity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Every family is welcomed with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Explore Ways to Get Involved
A group of people gathered outside on a sunny day, posing in front of a black truck. They are participating in a charity event for childhood cancer awareness, as indicated by a black banner that reads "The Dylan Project, Fighting Childhood Cancer." The group includes adults and children, some wearing matching black tank tops with the organization's logo. There is an American flag on a flagpole near the house, and the scene is set in a residential neighborhood with trees and houses.

Leadership With Heart

Guided by Service, Driven by Compassion

The Dylan Project is led by a dedicated team of community members who believe deeply in showing up for families when they need it most. Our leadership brings together professional expertise, volunteer spirit, and a shared commitment to compassion, transparency, and impact. Every decision is made with the children and families we serve at the center.

A family of five smiling outdoors in a marshland with green grasses and water channels in the background.

Mike DeChristopher

Founder & Executive Director, The Dylan Project

A Brockton, Massachusetts native, Mike DeChristopher now resides in West Bridgewater with his wife and three children. In 2012, he founded The Dylan Project with one unwavering belief: every child deserves the magic of the holidays, no matter what they are facing. What began as an effort to help one family has grown into a beloved nonprofit that now supports families across multiple states each year.

Known by many as a real-life Santa Claus, Mike works tirelessly behind the scenes, coordinating gift drives, organizing community fundraisers, and personally ensuring that each family feels seen and supported. His leadership is hands-on, heart-forward, and rooted in service.

Professionally, Mike serves as a Tapping Crew Leader at Eversource and brings more than 20 years of experience as a heavy equipment operator and crew leader in the gas utility, water, and landscape industries. His background includes leading complex crews, managing safety-critical operations, and serving on multi-state tool committees, all while modeling reliability, teamwork, and accountability.

At The Dylan Project, Mike brings that same dedication to every family we serve, working year-round to deliver joy, hope, and meaningful support to children battling cancer and the families who love them.

Board of Directors

Stewarding the Mission With Integrity

Our Board of Directors provides governance, strategic guidance, and fiscal oversight to ensure that The Dylan Project remains strong, transparent, and focused on its mission for years to come.

  • Mike DeChristopher – Founder & Executive Director

  • Kat Luce – Vice President

  • Greg Gesek – Treasurer

  • Seth Krueger – Secretary

  • Brian Gilis – Board Member

  • Paul Falcetta – Board Member

  • Brendan Fitzgerald – Board Member

Together, this leadership team ensures that every dollar raised, every partnership formed, and every gift delivered reflects the values of The Dylan Project and the trust placed in us by the families and communities we serve.