The Gridiron Gang Camp brings together 25 pediatric cancer patients from five US cities for a fun filled five days in the St. Louis, Missouri area. The children enjoy a camp experience at Jellystone Park – a scenic family park located on the outskirts of Eureka, Missouri. The park is nestled in a tree lined area where the campers enjoy swimming, outdoor movies, a visit from Safari Steve, campfires and marshmallows roasts.
Day One we head to Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor Amusement and Water Park about a mile from Jellystone. All day passes allow access to any ride – as many times as they wish. Six Flags boosts one of the largest wave pools in the country along with acres of rides – there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy at Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor. We take a short break for lunch and hurry back to the rides and water slides for the remainder of the afternoon.
Day Two we’re off to Dave & Buster’s Arcade in St. Louis. After a short bus ride we descend on the Million Dollar Midway filled with the latest interactive and video games! The most popular person in the place is the one with the game tickets! We have lunch, use up the remainder of our tickets and head back to Camp where Safari Steve is waiting for us. Safari Steve presents a show that features LARGE snakes and spiders, regular sized lizards, alligators and other slimy things! The campers love Steve and his friends.
Day Three – the last day of our stay – is a memorable day at Isaiah’s Run, a 35 acre private lake where the Campers enjoying a multitude of water sports. They are able to fish, swim, ski, play on a water trampoline, canoe or soak up the sun on a giant water raft. Isaiah’s Run is owned by the Voss family who extend an unbelievable welcome for the Campers and Counselors.
For the children, these new friendships offer encouragement and support as they navigate through their course of recovery. Jared and Micki Tomich, Chris and Natalie Kelsay, Craig and Rachel Terrill and Brian and Noelle Young join Grant and Melissa in hosting these events.
In addition to grant writing and special events, the Wistrom Family Foundation depends on the contributions of private and corporate donors to support our programs. The Wistrom Family Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Tax Exempt Organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. If you would like to sponsor a camper on our trip this year, please contact us.
