Transforming Moments

Montana’s Story

A Welcoming Place

Although Steven, Montana’s dad, can’t be with his son all the time, he appreciates the calls and encouragement from TCU staff to attend family dinners, participate in hospital events and visit anytime. He also appreciates being able to spend time with Montana without having to focus on his medical needs. Steven has attended TCU outings to area attractions and in October 2009 participated in the American Family Fitness 5K race with Montana, Micah and Victoria.

“I don’t think we could have survived without Children’s Hospital of Richmond,” he said of the improved quality of life his family has experienced. 

Mary Beth is thrilled with Montana’s new opportunities since coming to the TCU. He has been to the beach and Great Wolf Lodge, played indoor soccer and attended Micah and Victoria’s Chuck E. Cheese, pottery painting and roller skating birthday parties with assistance from TCU staff, all activities she would not have been able to provide on her own.

“He can get things here I’ll never be able to get for him,” said Mary Beth. “He has access to materials and equipment and is always out and about.”

During the school day Montana attends the Hospital Education Program where his teacher, Kristie Elrod, M.Ed., works with him on reading, math, science, history and other first-grade subjects. Although his family receives a formal progress report every nine weeks, Mary Beth often visits the classroom to observe her son. He communicates using an assistive technology device with photographs of his siblings to provide visual cues and Micah’s recorded voice allowing Montana to say hello.

Although Montana can’t communicate with words, Mary Beth said the staff engage him in a way she can tell he enjoys. They’re also inclusive with the family, allowing Montana to visit with his family dog outside the hospital and encouraging visits by his grandmother, who resides at the Virginia Home and appreciates the hospital’s wheelchair accessibility. Montana was even able to cheer for her using specially-recorded messages on his assistive technology device when she participated in an aquathon to benefit Children’s Hospital of Richmond last winter.

Being involved in Montana’s TCU activities has made the transition easier for Micah and Victoria too. Initially upset about their brother’s move, Micah and Victoria now know all the TCU patients and staff and love visiting him on the hospital’s playground, in Recreation Therapy and in his room, especially since he has cable television and they don’t. They also enjoy climbing in bed with Montana and reading him bedtime stories until he falls asleep.

“Bringing Montana to the TCU was the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Mary Beth. “He has grown leaps and bounds, put on weight and been healthier. The nurses take exceptional care of him and indulge my mommy requests to be involved in his care.”

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