Shodair Children's Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT (2026)

02/13/2026

🧬 A diagnosis that once meant heartbreak now carries real hope.

Watch the powerful story of Anakin and the new groundbreaking Menkes drug therapy, shared this week on KULR8 News NonStop Local:

🎥 https://www.kulr8.com/fda-approved-treatment-offers-hope-for-billings-boy-with-menkes-disease/video_f05d34f1-c319-511a-a58d-e577cfe5c836.html

This life-changing treatment, supported by Shodair Children’s Hospital’s Medical Genetics team, is transforming what’s possible for families facing one of the rarest and most devastating genetic disorders.

Beyond Anakin’s story, Shodair’s team brings cutting-edge care and hope to families across Montana, ensuring help, healing, and hope are available no matter where families live.

At Shodair, our mission is to heal, help, and inspire hope, and this story is a powerful reminder of the impact compassionate care, innovation, and dedicated teams can have on a child’s future.

Because of moments like this, hope is no longer just a word. It’s a future. 💙

Children's Miracle Network Rare Disease Day Billings Chamber of Commerce Helena Independent Record

02/12/2026

✨ Future scientists are getting a behind-the-scenes look at genetics today at Shodair!

AP and Honors Biology students from Capital High School are spending the day inside Shodair Children’s Hospital’s Medical Genetics Department for interactive lab tours and hands-on learning with our incredible team. Students rotate through small groups so they can ask questions, explore real-world applications, and see how genetics helps bring clarity and hope to patients and families across Montana.

One surprise highlight of the day? A special visit from Baymax, one of our three facility dogs, who stole the show and quickly became a favorite. 🐾

At Shodair, our Genetics Department provides full-spectrum clinical care and advanced laboratory testing for patients of all ages. With Montana’s only in-house medical geneticist, dedicated genetic counselors, and a nationally recognized lab, we are proud to deliver personalized care through telemedicine, outreach clinics, and in-person visits in Helena.

We are honored to welcome multiple groups of students today and help inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Interested in bringing your students for a future visit or learning more about our Medical Genetics program? Reach out to foundation@shodair.org
to start the conversation or see the link in the comments.

Children's Miracle Network Helena Public Schools Helena Education Foundation

02/11/2026

✨ Healing came full circle today when a former patient returned to Shodair to remind kids currently in treatment that they are not alone.

Our 2025 CMN Champion, Ayliana, returned to Shodair’s inpatient hospital to share her story with current patients. With honesty and courage, she talked about her journey, the challenges she worked through, and the coping skills that helped her along the way.

One piece of advice that stayed with her from a Shodair staff member was, “Feel your feelings, but don’t get stuck in them.” She also shared her own encouragement with patients: keep busy, stay connected, and keep moving forward.

Patients asked thoughtful questions, connected deeply with her experiences, and heard a message they needed most: you can get through this and you are not alone. By sharing her story, Ayliana continues her own healing while helping others find hope. She even hopes to return to Shodair one day as a Mental Health Technician to support future patients.

Thank you, Ayliana, for your vulnerability, courage, and for reminding the kids at Shodair that brighter days are ahead.

Healing happens when stories are shared and support shows up! 💙

Children's Miracle Network

02/11/2026

🎙️ Now live. The conversation continues.

Shodair Children’s Hospital CEO Craig Aasved and Certified Genetic Counselor Maija Trout recently joined The Vault at 201 N Broadway podcast to share how Shodair is helping Montana families access specialized psychiatric care and nationally recognized genetics services close to home.

From mental wellness and positive mental health support for kids and teens to advanced genetics services for patients of all ages, this conversation highlights how Shodair is working to bring hope and healing to communities across our state.

Take a listen and learn more about the impact happening right here in Montana: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2091657/episodes/18375689?utm_content=367803717&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-106150595617468

Learn more about Shodair’s genetics services at https://shodair.org/genetics/

💙 Thank you to Big Sky Economic Development for helping share Shodair’s story!

Children's Miracle Network

02/10/2026

🎉 Montana, Your 2026 Champion Child Is Here!

Cheered on by classmates, teachers, and Shodair staff, Luke Rivenbark was introduced as Shodair’s 2026 Children's Miracle Network Champion Child at Gallatin High School last week. The gym erupted in a standing ovation that lasted more than five minutes, filled with smiles, tears, and overwhelming support.

Luke received his Champion Child medal and banner, and the Bozeman Public Schools Board of Trustees honored him with a special certificate recognizing his strength and inspiring journey. Today, his banner hangs proudly in the Gallatin High common space alongside other student achievements.

Luke has received care at Shodair for more than a decade. His story represents courage in the face of challenges, the hope found in answers and compassionate care, and the power of community coming together to support Montana kids. Throughout 2026, Luke will help show how local Children’s Miracle Network support brings healing, confidence, and answers to children and families across Montana.

💛 Join us in celebrating Luke and cheering him on throughout his Champion Child year.

🎥 Watch Luke’s story: https://vimeo.com/1145062436?fl=pl&fe=sh

BSD7 Schools Gallatin Raptors Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce Bozeman Daily Chronicle Special Olympics Montana

02/05/2026

💛 Shodair is Hiring!

Genetic Counselor Spotlight – Medical Genetics Team

Shodair Children’s Hospital is excited to be hiring another Genetic Counselor to join our fantastic Medical Genetics team. This role offers the chance to do meaningful, mission-driven work with children and families across Montana, including participation in outreach clinics serving rural and underserved populations.

If you’re passionate about general genetics, rare disease, and meaningful outreach, enjoy collaborating with a cutting-edge laboratory (in-house whole genome sequencing coming soon!), and want the chance to live and work in a state known for its outdoor beauty and strong sense of community, apply today!

What we offer:
• Competitive salary starting at $74,200/year
• Paid medical and vision insurance
• Student loan assistance
• 6% employer-paid 403(b) contribution
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Supportive, mission-driven team and statewide impact

🧬 Apply for this role and many other Shodair opportunities by clicking: https://shodair.org/careers/

Carroll College Job Service Helena Montana State University

02/04/2026

⛳ Play Yellow is BACK!

Join us May 31 & June 1 at Rock Creek Cattle Company, ranked #2 of 200 in Golfweek’s Best 2026 Residential Golf Courses. Play golf, meet Montana celebrities, and support kids and families across the state.

Teams are filling fast, but you don’t have to golf to join the fun. Come for the Play Yellow evening and dinner only, or sponsor a Tee Flag for visibility on the course and a chance to win a Scottsdale Golf Tour for 5 nights. No need to be present to win.

This year, meet Champion Child Luke, Bobcat players, Miss Montana, and NFL star Marc Mariani. There is no reason not to join us in supporting Montana kids and families this year!

Every swing, sponsorship, and ticket helps Montana children receive life-changing mental health, psychiatric, and genetics care regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

💛 Join, sponsor, or share and help Montana kids find hope and healing!

Register and learn more: shodair.org/playyellow-event

Children's Miracle Network Billings Chamber of Commerce Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce Great Falls Chamber Helena Area Chamber of Commerce Butte Chamber of Commerce Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce Miss Montana

02/03/2026

Shodair’s CEO, Craig Aasved, had the honor of representing Shodair Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., meeting with Congressman Troy Downing to share our work serving kids and families across all 56 Montana counties. We were also grateful to have John Cech, join us in supporting our mission to heal, help, and inspire hope for Montana’s children.

Partnerships like these help us reach more kids and families every day. Shodair provides care, guidance, and resources to help children navigate life’s toughest challenges, including outpatient programs, inpatient mental health care, and genetics services.

Learn more at https://shodair.org/

Children's Miracle Network

02/02/2026

🍓 At Shodair, Hope Looks Like Fresh Strawberries 🍓

“Our mission is simple: to nurture and nourish.”

That is how Lance, Food Services Director and Executive Chef, describes the heart behind every meal served at Shodair’s Hope Café.

From fresh, scratch-made food to the small moments that mean everything, like listening when a young patient shared she was craving a fresh strawberry and making sure strawberries were on the menu days later, this team shows up with care, intention, and heart. 💙

Through our partnership with Thomas Cuisine, our Food Services team at Hope Café plays a meaningful role in the healing that happens every day. They prepare homemade, healthy meals for the kids and staff at Shodair that support both body and mind, and they cater all Shodair events as well as other community and special events. And yes, it is delicious.

Every department matters here. Healing takes all of us, and this team proves it one plate at a time.

🌱 Stop by Hope Café in Helena and enjoy real food made with care!

01/30/2026

This is what hope looks like. 💙

Thanks to the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for Menkes disease, Anakin, a child from Billings and Shodair Children’s Hospital patient, is thriving. He’s smiling, growing, and reaching milestones once thought impossible.

Menkes disease is a rare and devastating genetic disorder that once left families with little hope and few options. Anakin was one of only a few children nationwide enrolled in the early access study that made this breakthrough possible.

Shodair played a major role, coordinating care, medication, and monitoring while supporting families every step of the way. This reflects the strength of our Medical Genetics program, one of the most advanced in the region, led by Montana’s only in-house medical geneticist, Dr. Abdallah F. Elias, and a nationally recognized lab.

This FDA approval isn’t just a win for Anakin. It’s a win for families across Montana and a life-changing step forward for children facing Menkes disease everywhere. 🧬

Learn more about life-changing genetics care at Shodair: https://shodair.org/genetics/

Children's Miracle Network Rare Disease Day U.S. Food and Drug Administration

01/28/2026

Miss Montana, Haley Joy Tate, spent time this week reading The Bison and the Firefly to some of our younger patients, and it was pure joy. 📖✨

The group gathered in the gym to listen to the story, then colored Hope and Thunder together, filling the room with laughter, creativity, and big smiles.

Moments like this remind us there are so many meaningful ways to support kids in our inpatient hospital. Showing up, sharing time, and creating space for fun and connection can make a hard day feel a little lighter. We are so grateful to Haley for taking time out of her day to connect with our kids and bring so much warmth with her.

One patient even drew Miss Montana and captured her likeness perfectly. And the best review of all came from a child who said, “Come back and visit again soon!” 💛

Inspired by Haley’s visit? If you’d like to connect with and support the kids we serve at Shodair, email foundation@shodair.org.

Children's Miracle Network

01/27/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the Whitehall ACE Hardware Team! 🎉

The Ace Hardware - Whitehall, MT store earned first place nationwide in the Children's Miracle Network Power Up Miracles campaign, leading all ACE Hardware stores across the country in round-up participation and helping keep funds local for kids and families at Shodair Children’s Hospital.

This week, we were proud to celebrate this hardworking team and their community with pizza, gratitude, and a visit from Thunder, who couldn’t wait to join in on the fun. 💜 Teams like Whitehall ACE are just one example of the many Children’s Miracle Network partners who work tirelessly throughout the year, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

From all of us at Shodair Children’s Hospital, thank you for showing up for Montana kids.

Whitehall Ledger

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