Gov. Gianforte Highlights Montana Organization Supporting Children With Critical Illness

Encourages support for Montana Hope Project

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - On the fourth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the Montana Hope Project, a nonprofit that fulfills wishes of Montana children with terminal, critical, or chronic illness.

"For over 40 years, the Montana Hope Project has fulfilled lifelong wishes for children living with chronic illness," Gov. Gianforte said. "This holiday season as you think of ways to support fellow Montanans, consider helping support the gift of joy for children and their families."

Gov. Gianforte visiting with Hope Child, Izzy, at a University of Montana football game in Missoula in September

Founded in 1984 by members of the Montana Highway Patrol, the Montana Hope Project grants wishes to Montana children ages two to eighteen who are living with critical, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses. Wishes granted have included trips to Disney, tickets to professional sports events, camping trips, adaptive equipment, and dream bedrooms.

Since its founding, the Montana Hope Project has granted the wishes of 553 Montana children. This year, the organization has fulfilled the wishes of eleven Montanans, with several families going on trips to Hawaii and one child participating in an elk hunt in Dillon. Before the end of the year, Montana Hope Project expects to grant two more wishes with four more lined up for next year.

One wish granted this year included a trip to Disney World for Hannah, a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and microcephaly. After returning from the trip, Hannah's parents shared, "[Hannah] in a wheelchair and cannot speak, which limits many of her activities. However, she does enjoy roller coasters and the sensation of movement. Without [Montana Hope Project], getting her to a place like Disney World where she could enjoy the rides would have been nearly impossible. Hannah had an amazing time, and her favorite ride seemed to be the Jungle Cruise."

The organization relies on corporate sponsorships and private donations, as well as community fundraising efforts, to provide wishes at no cost to children and their families. This year, the organization is hosting a raffle for a 1967 Chevrolet SS-396 Chevelle. Montanans can learn more about the Montana Hope Project or make a donation by visiting MontanaHope.org.

"Every wish we grant brings families moments of joy and hope," said Nick Navarro, President of Montana Hope Project. "Our work is made possible by generous Montanans who want to lift up children who are facing serious medical challenges. We are grateful for the support to continue our work year after year."

In the month of December, the governor's fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

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