Granting wishes for Montana children living with critical illnesses

CHARITY OF THE
ASSOCIATION OF MONTANA TROOPERS
P.O. Box 5927 | Helena, MT 59604 | (406) 949-HOPE
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About Us

Michael-Bozeman-picture-1The Montana Highway Patrol started the Montana Hope Project in 1984 as a way to give back to the communities they serve in a special and unique way.

The Montana Hope Project
was born.

Today, the Montana Hope Project is a separate non-profit organization funded by tax-deductible charitable contributions. The Hope Project does not receive tax support and is not associated with any national wish-granting organization.  Sponsored by the Association of Montana Troopers, the Montana Hope Project originated from the strong desire of Troopers to offer a special and unique service to the communities they served.

Granting wishes to Montana children has proven to be a rewarding endeavor and has had a positive impact on those involved with the Hope Project. Granting wishes, hosting reunions and our fund-raising events offer comfort and encouragement to families facing difficult circumstances and bring communities together in support of their neighbors. Those involved know first-hand the special meaning of the smile on a child’s face when they receive their wish.

The mission of the Montana Hope Project is to fulfill the dreams and wishes of the children of Montana who suffer from a terminal, critical, or chronic illness that are between the ages of 2 and 18 years. The conditions the children face typically require medical intervention and physically, emotionally, and financially drain the children and their families.  Eighty-three percent of all proceeds from funds raised, corporate and private donations, and memorials go directly to wishes for Montana children. The average wish granted costs approximately $8,800, and the most requested wish is a trip to Walt Disney World.

Wishes over the years have included trips to Hawaii, professional sports events, computers, shopping sprees, camping trips, hot tubs, vehicle restorations, Caribbean cruises, a horse buggy, adaptive equipment, entertainment centers, video games, and dream bedrooms. Whenever possible, the entire family is involved in the wish.  As a way to further encourage families, the Hope Project also invites each wish recipient and their family to two reunions each year. Our summer and winter reunions are held at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort the first weekend in June and the first weekend in December.

The Montana Hope Project is a success due to the combined efforts of many. Our volunteer staff is comprised of active and retired highway patrol troopers and their spouses, along with other dedicated individuals. We also enjoy the support of various organizations from across the state of Montana that give generously of their money, time, and talents.

We are sincere in our belief that the lives of children are precious and should never be cut short without their wishes coming true. We welcome you to join us in this endeavor.

 

Testimonials

Montana Hope Project, Thank you so much for granting Shay’s wish to see a Celtics game in Boston! We had so much fun. On our trip, we took in the sights of New York City for a day, then drove to Boston from there to Shay’s doctor appointments at Boston Children’s Hospital. After his appointments,…

Montana Hope Project, Thank you so much for granting Shay’s wish to see a Celtics game in Boston! We had so much fun. On our trip, we took in the sights of New York City for a day, then drove to Boston from there to Shay’s doctor appointments at Boston Children’s Hospital. After his appointments, we went to TD Garden, watched the Celtics warm up, took pictures on the basketball court, and Shay was presented with a bunch of gifts (a jersey with his last name on it, t-shirt, Celtic shoes, socks, and a hat)! We then went into a private restaurant in TD Garden, ate a delicious supper, and had a surprise visitor, Leon Powe. Leon played for the Celtics from 2006-2009, and played in the championship for the Celtics in 2008, which they won! It was such an honor meeting and visiting with him. After supper, we watched the Celtic game against the New Orleans Pelicans; the Celtics won the super exciting game! Thank you for our trip, Montana Hope Project! We would have never been able to do this without you as we are in over our heads with medical debt and all the medical travel expenses. Shay was diagnosed with a Prolactinoma in January of 2015; it was during basketball season when he started not feeling well. Shay has been a varsity basketball and varsity football player throughout his high school years. Even after we found out about his tumor, the doctors allowed him to continue sports as long as he felt up to it. Shay is so strong and no matter how sick he was, he always pushed through and played. He is my hero! A lot of people have pituitary tumors (Prolactinoma), but Shay’s is complex as there is no opening; the tumor is completely surrounding/engulfing his pituitary. This makes surgery very risky as it could result in Shay going blind, pancreatitis, and diabetes insipidus. These results would be permanent the rest of his life. Since being diagnosed up until now, the doctors are trying to shrink his tumor with medication making surgery the very last resort. The pituitary tumor has caused Shay to be short (his growth plates are closed, so he cannot take growth hormones); he is 18 years of age and 5’3,” but that did not slow him down with sports; he is an incredible athlete in both football and basketball! The tumor has also wreaked havoc with his thyroid and testosterone levels. Shay will be under medical advisement for probably the rest of his life, although, he continues to stay positive and upbeat. Thank you so much for blessing our family! We cannot even begin to express our gratitude!  

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I would like to start by thanking the Montana Hope Project for this wonderful wish they granted our daughter, Emmalee, and our family. We never imagined being able to take a vacation like this before, and we are so grateful and blessed to have been given this opportunity. I also need to start by saying…

I would like to start by thanking the Montana Hope Project for this wonderful wish they granted our daughter, Emmalee, and our family. We never imagined being able to take a vacation like this before, and we are so grateful and blessed to have been given this opportunity. I also need to start by saying this was my husband and kids first airplane ride! I had one 14 years ago, so I guess it was kind of new to me also. Upon arriving in Orlando, we were greeted by Dave, a volunteer from Give Kids the World (GKTW). Dave helped us retrieve our luggage and took us to get our rental car. He provided us with directions to GKTW, which would be our home for the next week. Once arriving at GKTW, we were greeted with smiles, love, open arms, and really felt at home. We got our orientation and then settled in, having pizza delivered to our villa. This was just the beginning of our week at GKTW. Every morning we enjoyed breakfast at and seeing our new friend, Robert, another volunteer with GKTW. We enjoyed swimming at the pool, train rides, carousel rides, arcade games, and quality family time. Also while staying at GKTW, we got to partake in a Halloween and Christmas celebration. We spent time with families like ours. We didn’t have to think about doctor’s appointments, therapy appointments, work, school, medical bills, or life for a week. We enjoyed the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, and our favorite, SeaWorld. One of the most wonderful things we did while at GKTW was put Emmalee’s star in the Castle of Miracles. Emmalee had a star with her name on it placed in the Star Tower inside the castle, which was a very heartwarming experience for our family! Finally, we got to enjoy ice cream for breakfast on our last day at Give Kids the World! Our whole family would really like to thank the Montana Hope Project and all of those involved with the wish. We cannot thank you enough for the memories you helped us create and the amazing time you gave us. Thank you all so very much!  

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When I acquired my 1976 Ford F-250 on November 1, 2013, I was speechless to finally own a piece of my grandfather's history. He has owned it since the 1970s, and I own it now! It was just a old green ranch truck that I drove as my daily driver. When I got nominated for…

When I acquired my 1976 Ford F-250 on November 1, 2013, I was speechless to finally own a piece of my grandfather's history. He has owned it since the 1970s, and I own it now! It was just a old green ranch truck that I drove as my daily driver. When I got nominated for the Montana Hope Project, I wished for my truck to be restored to its original stature. The day my truck left for restoration, I was curious what it would look like when I got it back. The day I walked into the room to see my truck, I felt my arms begin to tingle. When Dave opened the door, I was so overwhelmed with joy that I began to cry. I wrapped my arms around my grandpa to show appreciation for him letting me have this beautiful truck. The Montana Hope Project, represented by the Montana Highway Patrol and Dave Evans, has made a huge impact on my life. I drive the truck with pleasure, and attend parades whenever possible to see everyone smile as much as I do whenever I look at it.    

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