For 7-year-old Gus Grillo, a day filled with pumpkin decorating, music and laughter offered something his family has fought hard to preserve throughout his cancer treatment: the chance to simply be a kid.
On Oct. 12, EGP Oceanside, a farm-to-table gastropub, hosted its 10th annual Fall Fest in Gus’s honor, bringing residents together for raffles, food, crafts, face painting, a pumpkin patch and music by Jerry & the Newcomers. But beyond the festivities, the event offered something just as meaningful: a reminder to Gus and his family that they are not alone.
“It really is about the support of the community and showing the Grillo family what Oceanside is about and how they can be supported,” said Brianna O’Hagan, the restaurant’s general manager and festival organizer.
Gus was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Feb. 10, when he was 6. In May, a severe infection led to septic shock, kidney complications, dialysis and a medically induced coma. He spent weeks in intensive care and later underwent foot surgery because of complications from the infection.
“We came very close to losing him,” his mothers, Alyssa and Christyn Grillo, said.
After spending nearly two months unable to walk, Gus had to relearn how to do so. He was declared in remission in June, but his treatment is far from over. Two-and-a-half years of treatment are planned from his initial diagnosis.
“His entire life changed overnight,” Alyssa said. “He went from being a typical 6-year-old going to school, playing soccer, and running around with his friends to spending much of his time in hospitals, receiving chemotherapy, and dealing with the side effects of treatment.”
Despite those challenges, Gus remains the energetic, funny and outgoing boy he has always been.
“He’s taught us that kids are capable of so much more than we ever realized,” they said. “Despite everything, he’s still Gus. He’s also incredibly determined, which has definitely helped him get through everything he’s faced this year,” they said.
For O’Hagan, giving Gus and his family a day to enjoy themselves was just as important as raising money.
EGP Oceanside began Fall Fest a decade ago as a way to give back to the community. What started with a pumpkin fundraiser for a local child with cancer, which raised about $500, has grown into an annual tradition supporting families facing serious challenges.
This year, the community’s generosity extended beyond donations. Members of the Ramahlho and McGuinness families, honored at the previous festival, paid for the pumpkins so the proceeds could go directly to Gus’s family; the Fink family also contributed to paying for crafts and pumpkin decorating. The family of Cooper Graham, a 4-year-old Oceanside boy previously honored by the event, covered the cost of face painting. Local businesses and residents donated raffle baskets, with all raffle profits going to the Grillos.
O’Hagan said seeing previous recipients return to help another family reflects just what makes the festival special.
“It just shows you how many good people there are in the world,” she said. “People come out of their way to come and support and spend the day and just be there for Gus and the family.”
The Grillos were overwhelmed when they learned the festival would honor their son. Having moved to the area about three years ago, they did not have the longstanding community ties of some previous recipients.
“We’ve received so much support since Gus was diagnosed, but having someone organize an entire community event in his honor was something we never expected,” they said. “It’s hard to put into words what it means to see people go out of their way to do something so special for your child.”
Yet residents who had never met Gus showed up to support him.
“That’s simply the power of a community,” O’Hagan said.
For the Grillos, the outpouring of support has been one of the most meaningful parts of an otherwise difficult experience.
“It’s been amazing to see how one little boy can bring so many people together,” they said. “We wish the circumstances were different, but we’re incredibly grateful for the people we’ve met along the way. Community is not just about where you live. It’s about people showing up for each other, sometimes without being asked.”
At home, the family works to maintain a sense of normalcy for Gus and his younger siblings, Jack, nearly 5, and Andie, 3. Even a fever can mean an immediate hospital admission because Gus’s immune system is suppressed, and plans often change without warning.
“We don’t want cancer to define Gus or our entire family,” his mothers said. “There are definitely days when that’s easier said than done, but we try to make the most of the good days and appreciate the moments when life feels somewhat normal.”
They hope sharing his story will raise awareness of childhood cancer and remind people that remission does not mean treatment is finished.
“Just because a child is in remission doesn’t mean their journey is over,” they said. “Treatment continues, the risks are still there, and families are often dealing with so much behind the scenes.”
For O’Hagan, the festival's success is measured not only by the money raised but also by the connections it creates and the reassurance it offers families during difficult times.
For now, the Grillos are focused on Gus’s continued recovery and grateful for everyone who has rallied around him.
“He’s made incredible progress, but we still have a long road ahead,” they said.
For one October afternoon, however, Gus could put the hospitals and treatments aside, decorate a pumpkin and be surrounded by people who wanted to see him smile. In a fight that no child should have to face, Oceanside gave him and his family something powerful: the reminder that they do not have to fight alone.
The Grillo family continues to share Gus’ journey through the hashtag “BraveLikeGus.”
