Darren
Wish Kid #1
11/2/1972-3/28/1985
The Cosby Show and Murder, She Wrote premiered; “Footloose” was blaring on the radio, and Chrysler Minivans were all the rage! 1984 was also the year the Montana Hope Project granted its very first wish!
After receiving this generous donation and note from the Korneychuk family (2019), I (Michelle Navarro, Media Coordinator) reached out to Dennis and Darlene in an attempt to get to know Darin, our very first Child of Hope.
Their son, Darin, was an 11-year-old boy battling a malignant brain tumor, living in Southeastern Montana, when his wish to go to Disneyland became a reality courtesy of the Montana Hope Project.
According to those who knew and loved Darin, he was a very laid back individual. His mother, Darlene, even referred to him as “our little preacher man.” He loved to socialize, but was also content playing independently.
“Throughout his illness, Darin illustrated deep understanding, profound courage, and unquestioning faith to all who knew and loved him,” recalls former Trooper, Larry Bean, who was actively involved in the planning and execution of Darin’s wish.
Darin’s family remembers the trip well, stating, “It was something that we probably never would have done on our own or been able to afford at the time. Darin wished to visit friends in Phoenix, AZ, the Grand Canyon, and Disneyland, which are all things that the Montana Hope Project provided. He was just as excited about riding with Trooper, Larry Bean, in the patrol car as he was about the trip,” joked Dennis, Darin’s dad.
Turning 15 shortly after Darin got sick, his sister, Dawn, recalls additional details. “I remember that our family vehicle was a Ford Escort, so they rented us a brown Ford Bronco to travel in. We thought that was great since it had so much room!” She also remembers people staring because “chemo head was rare” back then, but it didn’t phase Darin at all! “He never missed a beat!”
A Closer Look
This photo of Darin and his family was taken before Darin went on his trip to Disneyland.
The officer pictured is Trooper, Robert “Bob” Kettenring. He was the Secretary/ Treasurer of the Montana Highway Patrol Association and stationed in Billings, Montana. Bob is now retired and lives in Vancouver, Washington.
Celebrity Status
Darin was the focus of this July 5, 1984, Billings Gazette, article by Jim Gransbury, photo by Larry Mayer.
He was also featured on the 1989 cover of Montana Highway Patrolman!
That’s Not All
When the Board of Trustees commissioned artist Stan Lynde to do the Montana Hope Project logo, Darin’s picture was used to create the little boy on the left as a representation of the Montana Hope Project’s first, of hopefully many, wishes granted.
I was told that the inspiration for the Trooper Bear in this updated logo was our very own Vice President, Cal Janes, but I’ll let you be the judge of that….
Thank You
A very special thank you to the Korneychuk family for sharing Darin’s story with me, and all those who provided much appreciated insight of those early years within the Montana Hope Project!
