Distinctly Montana Magazine

37 w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m I N THE FACE OF LIFE'S MOST EX- CRUCIATING HARD- SHIPS, HOPE CAN BE A POWERFUL MEDICINE. Our dreams and aspi- rations cut through the darkness of our struggles, acting as beacons of light that shine upon the posi- tive and uplifting elements of the human experience, motivating us to forge ahead and persevere. Though everyone faces challenges, the difficulties experienced by children with life-threatening illnesses or life-altering conditions deeply impact every aspect of their daily lives and require im- mense resilience, strength, and courage to endure. These challenges also profoundly affect the child's entire family, requiring them to adapt to a new way of life while si- multaneously navigating the complexities associated with being the caregiver and advocate of a child who is living with special needs. The tenacity and brav- ery these children and families display in the face of adversity make them exceptionally deserving of opportunities to savor mo- ments of joy, peace, and respite that recharge and reignite the hope within them. After all, every kid needs time to simply enjoy being a kid. TROOPERS SUPPORTING FAMILIES Established in 1984 by the Montana Highway Pa- trol (MHP), the Montana Hope Project aims to fulfill the dreams and wishes of Montana children diag- nosed with terminal, critical, or chronic illnesses and conditions. The 501(c)(3) non-profit, now the charity of the As- sociation of Montana Troopers (AMT), is funded solely through private and corporate donations and fundraising efforts. The organization has granted a staggering 545 wishes as of mid-January, including three since the beginning of 2025. "Disney World is the most popular wish by far," says Catherine "Cate" Nelson, travel and reunion coordinator for the Montana Hope Project. "The second most popular request is a hot tub. For a lot of our kids, water therapy is so good for them and for their joints. We also have done cruises, bear hunts, campers—so many amazing wishes!" A five-year-old with the dream of riding an elephant on a beach will be traveling to Bali with her family this year to do just that. In addition to trips and once-in-a-lifetime ex- periences, the Montana Hope Project has also helped families by modifying homes to meet ac- cessibility needs, among a slew of other wishes. But the fun doesn't stop there. Once a wish kid and their loved ones be- come a part of the Montana Hope Proj- by HOLLY MATKIN

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