Recap of The Play Project: 31 kids fighting cancer now have the gift of a Backyard Discovery play structure
When a child is fighting cancer, their world can suddenly feel small—filled with hospital visits, treatments and uncertainty. Through The Play Project in September 2025, we were reminded of something powerful:
When a community comes together, our heart is bigger than any challenge.
Families, volunteers, sponsors and supporters from across the country all stepped up to give the gift of play to children fighting pediatric cancer. What started as one idea turned into a nationwide movement of hope.
The Impact of The Play Project
Because of this incredible outpouring of support, The Play Project raised over $81,000 and provided 31 kids who are fighting cancer with their very own backyard play structures.
Each donation and every story shared helped fuel a ripple effect of kindness that stretched far beyond these kiddos’ backyards. The result? More than just playsets… moments of normalcy, joy and hope for families fighting childhood cancer.
Our Partners in Play: Backyard Discovery
At the heart of this project is our presenting sponsor, Backyard Discovery — a company known for its high-quality outdoor play structures and unwavering commitment to family fun. More than just a playset provider, Backyard Discovery is a true partner in our mission to bring hope to kids fighting cancer.
For The Play Project, Backyard Discovery generously supplied every single play structure. Their impact, however, doesn’t stop there. Year-round, they stand beside Roc Solid Foundation, offering exclusive discounts and going above and beyond to make sure we can say “yes!” to as many families as possible each year.
We are proud to partner with Backyard Discovery for all Roc Solid Foundation play structures… because their products, and their people, embody the same heart, quality and care that define everything we do. Together, we’re transforming backyards into places where hope outshines fear.
A Collective Effort of Generosity
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generosity of our incredible match partners who helped multiply every gift and make an even bigger impact:
- Shanon & Jeremy Johnson – Journey Home LLC
- The Claire Foundation
- Our very own Roc Solid Foundation Board of Directors
When our community saw families in need, they didn’t hesitate… they showed up. Contributions ranged from $5 to $5,000 — proof that every act of kindness, big or small, builds a brighter world for these kids fighting unimaginable battles.
What’s Next for The Play Project
Because this year’s Play Project was such a success, we’re not stopping here. There are still families fighting pediatric cancer across the country who are waiting for their own play structure, and we’re determined to keep the momentum going.
Stay tuned for 2026. We’ll share exciting details about what’s next and how you can be part of it!
More Than a Campaign — A Movement of Hope
All in all, the Play Project was a story of collective hope.
This is proof that when people come together for something bigger than themselves, they can move mountains (or in this case, playsets!)
Thanks to every volunteer, donor and partner — especially Backyard Discovery, Shanon & Jeremy Johnson, The Claire Foundation and our Board of Directors — children across the country now have a place to play, forget about cancer and just be a kid. These families have a reminder that they’re not alone in the fight.
Even though The Play Project is over (for now!), you can still team up with Roc Solid Foundation to bring hope to kids fighting cancer! Here are three ways to get involved:
- Donate – Every gift helps provide play, joy, and support to children and families.
- Sponsor a Playset Build – Make a direct impact by building a play structure for a child fighting cancer right in your local community.
- Host a Ready Bag Packing Party – Rally your community to assemble Roc Solid Ready Bags filled with overnight hospital essentials for families upon a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
If you or a family you know is facing pediatric cancer, we’d love to welcome you to the Roc Solid Foundation family. Fill out our brand new family intake form to be considered for a playset in your area.
