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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.
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During our repertory season, we feature four rotating shows – stay four days and see four plays!
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