Distinctly Montana Magazine

2025 // Spring

Distinctly Montana Magazine

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41 w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m recipients attend each of the twice-yearly reunions held at Fairmont. "We always go to the reunions. Always," says Ryanne, who hopes to bring her own future chil- dren to the gatherings someday. "I love them so much. I've made so many friends. It is two times a year that kids with disabilities feel like they're not judged and we can just be kids. We just get to be happy." The gatherings are also an opportunity for parents and care- givers to build up their own support systems. "The people around you just 'get it' in some capacity, and that's priceless," Jamie notes. "You find yourself in conversations about who the best doctors are, things like that…and you feel like you don't live life by yourself outside of the reunions because you form such big bonds within those gatherings. This organization has made families feel seen and not so alone on their journey." The Montana Hope Project re- union events offer a variety of activities for everyone, including the wish child's siblings. "They make it about the whole family and all the kids get to be special, not only the wish kid," Katie says. Some wish kids are now adults who attend the gatherings with their own families in tow. "We even have families who lost their kiddos who still come," Jamie says. "They're welcome forever, and I think knowing that brings a sense of peace to people." 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 IMMENSE RESILIENCE, STRENGTH, AND COURAGE TO ENDURE. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse repertory theatre offers a fantastic series of shows to suit every taste. During our repertory season, we feature four rotating shows – stay four days and see four plays! 406-837-4 886 BigforkSummerPlayhouse.com The movie sensation CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Tickets available Starting April 19 The Rock n Roll favorite, Based on all of your Favorite Elvis Presley tunes ALL SHOOK UP A new musical comedy SOMETHING ROTTEN Family Classic SHREK the Musical! Summer 2025 Season! Summer 2025 Season!

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