BIG HEARTS UNDER THE BIG SKY MAKES “MONTANA ADVENTURE” COME TRUE FOR LOLO GIRL WITH LIVER CANCER

Helena, MT—Big Hearts Under the Big Sky (Big Hearts), a program of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA), proudly announces its first “family adventure” trip of 2024. Madisyn “Maddy” Bezdicek, 19, of Lolo, MT, and her family were treated to a memorable week at the Triple J Wilderness Ranch near Augusta, Montana, hosted by MOGA Outfitter Ernie and Kim Barker from July 7-12, 2024.

Big Hearts covers all costs for qualifying families to participate in these outfitter-supported trips. Since its inception in 2008, the organization has served hundreds of individuals and their families, donating over half a million dollars in outfitted services.

Maddy was nominated for Big Hearts through her community network. Diagnosed at age 17 with stage 3 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a rare liver cancer, Maddy has faced significant medical challenges, including a full liver transplant and chemotherapy. Recently, new scans revealed nodules in her lungs, confirmed to be cancer cells, and she is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Despite these obstacles, Maddy remains active and passionate about the outdoors, enjoying activities such as dirt biking, fishing, hunting, and hiking.

The all-inclusive trip offered horseback riding, fishing, hiking, children/teen programs, trap shooting, and access to ranch facilities. Evening entertainment included cookouts, campfires, cowboy poetry, and more. The Bezdicek family enjoyed a traditional steak dinner on the Sun River at the trip’s conclusion, joined by other guests and Ken Homan from the Big Hearts program. Bryan Gortmaker, Big Hearts Ambassador, MC’d the dinner.

Maddy was accompanied by her parents, Bryan and Jami, and her brother Garrett.

“Since returning home, I can’t stop talking about what an incredible week we had and what it meant to experience this trip together,” said Maddy Bezdicek. “Being able to do everything I love in Montana, alongside my family, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we will cherish forever.” 

“At Big Hearts, our focus is on the family experience,” said Mac Minard, Big Hearts Executive Director. “We know these conditions can become overwhelming for families, and it is our sincere hope that this experience creates life-long family memories in Montana’s great outdoors.”

About Big Hearts Under the Big Sky

Big Hearts Under the Big Sky is a program of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association. Unique in its approach, the program collaborates with qualified and licensed outfitters and guides throughout Montana to offer fully outfitted trips to military service members, children facing life-threatening illnesses, and women battling breast cancer.

The program emphasizes the family experience, covering all costs to ensure families can participate in these life-changing adventures. Over the years, Big Hearts has served hundreds of individuals and their families, with MOGA member outfitters providing the donated trips at no cost to the recipients.

Big Hearts Under the Big Sky will host its annual Banquet and Fundraiser on January 18, 2024, in Helena. Proceeds will support the next round of families as part of the program’s 18th year of service.

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