Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Jerry Wunsch will treat a group of pediatric cancer patients to a four-day winter camping trip in Wausau, Wisconsin, during his second annual "Jerrys Journey." The trip will begin Sunday, February 21 when a group of 17 children from the Tampa Childrens Cancer Center depart from Tampa International Airport and head for Wunsch`s home state of Wisconsin, where they will meet 10 additional young cancer patients for a weekend of games, fun and friendship.
During their stay in Wisconsin, the children will enjoy such activities as cross-country and downhill skiing, dog sled and snowmobile rides, arts and craft sessions, campfires and hotdog roasts. Wunsch arranged for the group to engage in a variety of activities at Wausau`s Best Western Motor Hotel, Rib Mountain and School Forest. Wunsch is getting married in Wisconsin on February 20, the day before the camp begins, and will join the group in every activity with his new wife, Melissa.
"I started this program last year because I wanted these children to know they are not alone in their struggles with cancer," Wunsch said. "Being with other kids who go through the same things they do everyday is comforting to them. Also, most of the children from Tampa have never seen snow before, so having a chance to participate in cold weather activities for the first time makes for an exciting weekend."
Last year, Wunsch took 11 children from the Tampa Bay area and six from Wisconsin on a similar trip to Rochester, New York. Tampa`s Camp Good Days and Special Times, a facility for pediatric cancer patients, helped organize the five-day winter camping trip.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jenny Egger Community Relations Media Coordinator Tampa Bay Buccaneers 813-870-2700
