here in Central Wisconsin. Greg had a slim chance of surviving a near fatal ATV accident, he was given a second chance at life. That accident was not only the worst thing that has ever happened to him, but also the best thing. It changed his life to the point that He wanted to give back to the community!

“Deep within me, I always had a desire to help children in need, and that became my focus. After my recovery, I ran in the WI Warrior Dash (5k run with obstacles) and raised money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital helping children fighting their battle with cancer. I am not able to run in the Warrior Dash any longer but still wanted to continue to support St Jude’s. I wanted to broaden my scope to help more children in our local community.” - Greg Cemke

He reached out to the Marshfield Children’s Hospital to inquire about their needs and explained what the “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” event idea could be. They loved the idea which resulted in the beginning of the “Christmas In July Charity”.

Since Santa's sleigh will not work without snow in the July heat, He shows up on a motorcycle! A large group of bikes and vehicles make the trip from Rothschild Harley Davidson to Marshfield Children's Hospital.

The children and families can feel the rumble of the bikes coming from blocks away in anticipation for Santa’s visit! Once everyone has arrived at the hospital, the toys are all brought in and patients and siblings get to pick out presents.

Being in the hospital is scary for anyone, but it is extremely stressful for children and their parents. Santa Greg works with organizations to collect toys for ages 0-18 throughout the year. Not only does Santa bring toys to the Marshfield Children's Hospital in July and December, but he also works around the clock throughout the year to raise money to purchase innovative items that are not included in our Child Life budget.

Over the past 7 years the Charity has raised over $220,000! The Child Life Department has been able to purchase the following:

Nintendo Wii U’s that are permanently installed in every room in the pediatric ward.

“VR Goggles” to help distract patients during procedures and help with pain management.

“Touch2 Play” electronic games for waiting areas and play areas that allow patients and families to play games while they wait to be seen or to pass the time when hospitalized.

Portable Sensory Stations that provide a calming environment for patients to elevate stress and anxiety.

“Teaching Dolls” (Patient Puppets) These dolls can help a child work through their feelings and fears when it comes to the hospital. This is a great preparation tool! It can be used to introduce medical equipment and have the doll represent the child in order to take them through procedures.

In 2020 the charity was thrilled to raise $43,000 for a Movie System for the child’s MRI scanner. With this movie system the hospital is able to put the pediatric patients through an MRI without having to use sedation while making the scan a positive experience for them. MRI's can be difficult experiences for a child. This specialized system is now used to distract patients from the loud machine. Our goal is to help make the children as comfortable as possible while getting tests and procedures done. This system helps that happen.

In December 2021 the charity was able to donate a $53,000 check to Marshfield Children's Hospital for the following items:

Mobile Magic gaming systems- Children in the Hospital will be able to have the opportunity to play games in their room, play center or family lounge. These are portable and reprogrammed systems.

Starry Starry Night- Each sedation and recovery room for children will be customized with soft twinkling star lights to provide a calming presence. This will produce a more relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.

Precious Moment Memories- Life is full of precious moments for those families that are preparing to say goodbye to their child. These families will be presented with a handmade "grasping hands" mold that will capture their love forever.

Christmas in July is way more than gifts; it's about comfort for children and families going through some of the most difficult medical experiences.

A quote from Heidi Geise the Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Manager:

“The Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Services is funded in full by philanthropy. We would not be able to meet the needs of our patients without the help from organizations like Greg’s!” -Heidi Geise

Children’s Hospital facts:

• One of three Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Wisconsin

• Region’s only Dedicated Pediatric hospital

• Serves children throughout a 17-county region in Northern and Central Wisconsin

• Area’s only Pediatric Trauma c Center

• Regions Children’s Cancer Center, treating the rarest forms of cancer

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU, (children born at 23 weeks or older)

• Accredited Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Program - The only one of its kind in WI