Mega Doctor News
There’s no denying that children of all ages love Monster Jam®, a worldwide phenomenon that brings the affection kids have for larger-than-life trucks to life.
The action-packed, four-wheeled motorsports event includes powerful sounds, vibrant visuals and high-energy performances, which result in a stimulating and unforgettable sensory experience for kids.
Launched in 1992, Monster Jam features several 12,000-pound trucks, with talented drivers behind the wheel performing awe-inspiring stunts like backflips, wheelies and massive jumps.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., the pediatric patients at South Texas Health System Children’s will have the opportunity to experience monster truck magic without leaving the hospital grounds.
In advance of Monster Jam’s thrilling tour stop at Edinburg’s Bert Ogden Arena this weekend, STHS Children’s is partnering with Feld Motor Sports to welcome two Monster Jam all-star drivers, Ashley Sanford (Megalodon®) and MJ Solorio (El Toro Loco), to the facility for a special meet and greet with hospitalized patients.
“STHS Children’s is dedicated to delivering quality, compassionate care to the littlest of patients that goes beyond the medical. Our Child Life Program, with the generous support of community partners like Monster Jam, is able to offer our patients a welcome distraction from their hospitalization,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley and MJ – two Monster Jam all-stars – to STHS Children’s to interact with our pediatric patients and provide some full throttle fun!”
Ashley, a high–speed sport trailblazer who is inspiring the next generation of women in motorsports, became interested in joining Monster Jam in 2019, after attending one of their events. After completing training, she went behind the wheel of her monster truck, the Megalodon, in 2023, earning Co-Rookie of the Year honors alongsideChris Koehler.
Meanwhile, MJ is a Monster Jam University graduate who was familiar with the world of Monster Jam well before his first day of classes. He had previously helped an independent team prior to finally making his debut behind the wheel of El Toro Loco in September 2023. He picked up a racing win in only his third event.
“The best thing about being on the road with Monster Jam is getting to meet all the fans in all the difference cities we go,” says MJ. “I love seeing the smiles my performances bring to the fans’ faces.”
Along with getting to meet Ashley and MJ, patients will get an up-close look at the brand new 12,000-pound Bailey Circuit™ Monster Jam truck, inspired by Ringling’s fan-favorite robotic pup. The latest addition to Monster Jam’s fleet is the result of a first-of-its-kind collaboration between The Greatest Show On Earth® and Monster Jam. The mechanical beast will be parked in front of the facility for easy viewing by patients in the facility’s tower.
Additionally, patients will receive Monster Jam flags, hats and earmuffs, courtesy of Feld Motor Sports.
The Monster Jam meet and greet will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the STHS Children’s third floor pediatric playroom.
Following the in-hospital visit, Ashley and MJ will go outside to meet with the children of STHS staff members, as well as kids from across the community from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., with the Bailey Circuit truck parked on the hospital grounds until 6:00 p.m. for photo opportunities with community members.
For more information, contact the STHS Marketing Department via email, sthsmarketing@uhsinc.com, or call 956-388-2020.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s & Monster Jam |
| What: | Meet & Greet with Monster Jam All-Star Drivers |
| When: | Thursday, October 9, 2025, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Truck Display from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. |
| Where: | Third Floor Pediatric PlayroomSouth Texas Health System Children’s1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539 |
