Hunting & Fishing Ministry Testimonies of His Touch

Our son’s name is Jon Mathew Graefser, aka the Warrior. He was blessed to have had the opportunity to hunt with The 1687 Foundation.

At the time we were contacted by Jerry from the foundation, Jon was 13-years-old and was actively battling medulloblastoma (terminal brain cancer) for the second time of his short life.

We were traveling back and forth to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN for experimental treatment. About seven months prior to being contacted by Jerry, Jon’s cancer had unexpectedly returned after almost five years in remission. We were given a grim prognosis of zero chance of survival and about twelve months left with Jon by his medical team. We were crushed, facing our worst nightmare.

But,  Jon wasn’t going down without a fight so he was participating in a few trials at St. Jude's, mainly radiation and chemotherapy, to kill, stop or slow down the disease. This is when Jon made a bucket list. There was so much he wanted to do, like go hunting. He had never hunted before so he wanted to experience it.

Jon was over the moon when Jerry reached out to us and immediately accepted the generous offer to hunt on their ranch. So, when Jon had a little break from treatment, we showed up at the ranch one weekend and let me tell you, we had no idea what God had in store for us. The few days we spent at the ranch was a bright light to the darkness that we were in.

All the staff immediately met us with open arms. It felt as though we had known them forever and were already family. Not only was the property breathtaking, but you could feel the goodness of what God was doing there.

That weekend took us away from our reality for a bit and allowed us to have so many beautiful moments with Jon. An afternoon at their one of a kind car museum was at the top of Jon’s favorite outings.

A giant accomplishment was when Jon took his fear of heights by the horns and overcame it by getting on a helicopter. He had an absolute BLAST! The “WOOHOO!!!!” heard over the headset was a dead giveaway of his off the charts excitement. The several competitive ping pong matches with him were also memorable. But hands down, the best experience was Jon being able to successfully hunt and take down his 497 lb. African Gemsbok. It was a morning we will never forget. Jon could hardly believe he got a perfect shot. He was beyond proud of himself.

Even though he was worn out throughout our stay, (mainly from the harsh treatment he was on) he was so happy at the ranch! Six months later, Jon was made whole when he entered Heaven on Feb. 6, 2021. He is now in the presence of the King of kings! I can honestly say that we walked into the foundation as strangers and walked out with more than we could have ever hoped for.We are eternally grateful to everyone at the ranch.

We can’t thank you all enough for the continued support, love and for continuing to honor our warrior in the way that you do. Jerry,  Justin,  Ralph, Darrel and Mike—I hope you all know how special you were to Jon—and to us. A special thanks to the one who made this all possible, she knows who she is. I know Jon’s legacy will live on through all the lives he touched, especially at the ranch.

Claudia Graefser
Mother of Jon Mathew

Perfect! Absolutely Perfect!

That is the only description of Garrett Gill's hunt hosted by the 1687 Foundation sponsored by Buckmasters via Camp Able.  There is no doubt that every aspect and every imaginable contingency needed to set this young man up for success was put in place.

The ranch team speedily made the modifications Garrett would need to have a great experience and the accommodations were nothing short of phenomenal.  

From swapping strategies, position, and guns on a helicopter,  to adding, training, and implementing an adaptive shooting system, it just flowed seamlessly!  Garrett had everything he needed to be safe and successful. 

Watching this kid go from mildly terrified stepping into the helicopter, to whooping and hollering when he stepped off is now a core memory we will never forget.  The first time they came back in and landed Garrett hugged everybody.

When it was time for round two, he baled in that helicopter like he'd done it all his life and absolutely went to work on some pigs!  He still tells everyone he sees about it!     It's a wonder we saw anything at all, as much fun as we were having in the hunting blind. At times, we were all laughing so hard the whole blind was shaking! Watching this young man go through every stage of the infamous "buck fever" the first time he set up for a shot was priceless! 

At one point Garrett was shaking so badly that he threw his hands up and said "I CAN'T DO IT!"  Our guide talked him through and had him breathing. He got off a great shot and the 5 man crowd in the blind broke in two!  

We were jumping hollering, hugging—it's a wonder that blind didn't come crashing down!  

The 1687 Foundation provides a place where miracles happen.  The staff is a rare collection of the kindest, most selfless, and big hearted individuals.  This team works 365 days a year to provide kids like Garrett that one special memory. 

I cannot thank you guys enough for your labor of love. Thank you for all that you did for Garrett, and for dozens of other kiddos like him. 

Cody Cox
Camp Able