Doug Lindley/Idaho State Journal
Tracy Barnes with her daughter Bentley, 4, at the Portneuf Cancer Center in Pocatello where Tracy was undergoing treatment for stage-four pancreatic cancer Thursday afternoon.

PRESTON — When Nick and Gerry Crookston decided earlier this year to plant corn and try their hand at running a maze on their Preston property, they had no idea that they would be using it to help their daughter and her family this fall.

The Crookstons’ daughter, McCammon resident Tracy Barnes, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in mid-August. It had already spread to her right lung.

“We’re praying for a miracle for her,” Gerry said, adding that her daughter is a wife and mother of six children — the oldest is a senior in high school and the youngest is 4.

The Crookstons have decided to use the maze to help their daughter and her family with some of the challenges they are facing right now, especially as Tracy continues her cancer treatments.

While they’re not charging admission fees for the maze, they have put out donation boxes and are accepting contributions from anyone who would like to help.

The Corn Walk Alley maze is located at 700 N. 800 W. in Preston and is open Monday-Friday from 4-8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Those who come can purchase pumpkins from the pumpkin patch as well as refreshments. They can also enjoy the display that features Napoleon Dynamite and troll themed pumpkins among others. (Gerry said they plan to have a display competition next year.)

And, of course, visitors can also explore the maze.

It was created by Firth-based MazePlay, which builds corn mazes throughout the nation, and is a little over an acre in size, Gerry said.

Submitted photo

Participants can play MazePlay’s Farm Scene Investigation game, in which they visit stations throughout the maze as they try to determine which of the farm animals kidnapped Farmer Joe.

Gerry said young kids and even teenagers have enjoyed playing the game, and they change the culprit occasionally for those who want to come back and play again.

“People love it,” Gerry said.

They are planning a special family day from 2-8 p.m. on Monday, and kids who come in costume will get a small treat.

It takes an average of about 30 minutes to go through the maze, Gerry said, which can be appealing to families with young children.

Although it’s small in size, the maze has stayed busy, drawing local families and some from other East Idaho and Utah locations, Gerry said.

She noted that many have been willing to contribute to her daughter’s family at the maze and elsewhere. She said people have held other fundraisers, and some have volunteered to watch children and do laundry.

She’s grateful for the care that people have shown.

“There are so many people who are good and generous,” Gerry said. “That’s one of the things that I have learned through this experience with Tracy. You don’t like these things to happen, but there are good things that come out of adversity.”

Tracy is also grateful for the help she’s received.

“I really appreciate all of the support that has been shown for me and my family,” she said. “The community is very caring and giving and I appreciate it. I feel grateful to live in this area.”

Submitted photo