Springfield's childhood cancer community will be in the national spotlight on Friday, August 7, as the Great American Road Rally rolls into the Ozarks to film a stop for its upcoming television series, premiering Wednesday, September 2, on The CW.

During the Springfield stop, local childhood cancer families—including Hudson and Ben, who are both part of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ)—will be recognized as part of the rally's mission to celebrate resilience, community, and hope while traveling Historic Route 66.

The Great American Road Rally is a nationally televised, 2,000-mile journey celebrating the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66. Hosted by actor and automotive enthusiast Ian Ziering (Beverly Hills, 90210 and the Sharknado film series), the rally features ten celebrity-driven vehicles traveling America's Mother Road through nine communities. Each team represents a nonprofit or humanitarian cause, using entertainment, community engagement, and philanthropy to inspire action, raise awareness, and highlight organizations making a difference across the country.

One of the rally's featured charitable partners is the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ), a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers. Through its signature adoption program, FOJ pairs children with high school, college, and professional sports teams, creating lifelong relationships that provide encouragement, belonging, and hope. Since its founding, the organization has facilitated more than 1,300 adoptions nationwide.

Hudson Gray, of southwest Missouri, is a survivor of Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC), an extremely rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer. Diagnosed at just 17 months old, Hudson has endured multiple brain surgeries, intensive chemotherapy, and years of treatment. His journey reflects both the challenges faced by childhood cancer families and the extraordinary strength children demonstrate every day.

Ben's story, alongside Hudson's, represents the resilience seen throughout the childhood cancer community and highlights the life-changing impact of organizations like the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Together, these families remind us that no child fights alone.

While the rally features celebrity participants, classic vehicles, and the excitement of Route 66, its heart lies in the stories of children and families whose lives have been forever changed by pediatric cancer. The Springfield stop offers the community a unique opportunity to celebrate these remarkable children while welcoming a nationally televised production to the Ozarks.

Hosted by actor and automotive enthusiast Ian Ziering, best known for Beverly Hills, 90210 and the Sharknado film series, the Great American Road Rally will visit nine Route 66 communities before the series premieres this fall.

Media Opportunities

Local television, radio, newspaper, and digital media outlets are invited to begin covering this story before the August 7 event by sharing the inspiring stories behind Springfield's participation in the Great American Road Rally.

Advance interview opportunities are available with:

• Adisyn Gray, Hudson's mom, who can share Hudson's childhood cancer journey, the impact of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, and what it means for Springfield to be selected as a featured stop on this nationally televised event, and other people who main join in the event

These interviews provide an opportunity to introduce the community to Hudson and Ben before the event, raise awareness for childhood cancer, explain the mission of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, and build excitement for the Great American Road Rally's arrival in Springfield.

Media outlets are also encouraged to attend the August 7 Springfield filming, where interviews, video opportunities, and event coverage will be available.

About the Great American Road Rally

The Great American Road Rally is a nationally televised celebration of the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66. Featuring celebrity participants, charitable partnerships, and community celebrations across nine cities, the series showcases the people and organizations making a difference along America's most iconic highway.

For More Information

Great American Road Rally
https://www.americanroadrally.com

Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
https://www.friendsofjaclyn.org

Follow Hudson's Story
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1D2Hhzya42/