BIG SKY –The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana will host the first-ever Bozeman-Big Sky Challenge Hike on Aug. 7 at Big Sky Resort to raise awareness and fundraise for their efforts to provide support, awareness, advocacy, community engagement and prevention for those affected by a traumatic brain injury.
According to the BIAMT, Montana sits between the second and third in the nation per capita for traumatic brain injury-related deaths. The organization’s executive director, John Bigart III, believes this is because Montanans like to work hard and play hard.
“The prevalence in the state of Montana is very significant,” said Bigart. “It always has been, and through COVID it just increased, because I think people were out playing and not just sitting at their desks.”
Many head injuries, particularly in Montana, are due to motor vehicle accidents, ATV crashes and also accidents related to slick roads and sidewalks, according to Bigart. Symptoms of a possible brain injury include: dizziness, persistent headaches, difficulty focusing and fatigue, all of which can be temporary or long-term. Some injuries can permanently affect someone’s ability to work, recreate and live their daily lives.
Despite the prevalence of head injuries however, budget cuts to healthcare services have left support and care for these victims few and far-between. In fact, every other state aside from Montana provides government funding for the services BIAMT provides. Through generous donors and sponsors, for the last 30 years BIAMT has been working as a nonprofit to make up for lacking state services and provide those suffering with the right resources to make recovery possible.
“If I’m in a car accident and I break my leg and I go to the doctor, the doctor can give me a pretty clear idea and treatment plan,” said Bigart. “With a brain injury that’s not possible because no two brain injuries are alike.”
In addition to working with victims post-injury, BIAMT coordinates events that encourage awareness and prevention, including helmet giveaways, concussion education and a statewide online Traumatic Brain Injury support group called the Puzzle Club.
Bigart says the helmet giveaways are his favorite—they often reach out to underserved populations, families that otherwise would not be able to afford protective gear, and teach kids the importance of wearing a helmet and fitting it correctly so they can get back out and play.
The Bozeman-Big Sky Challenge Hike will feature one-mile, three-mile and seven-mile hikes around the resort, as well as a virtual hike for those who cannot attend in person, but would like to show support otherwise. It is $25 for an adult entry, $10 for ages 13-17 and free for those 12 and under. Registration includes a t-shirt, lunch, a free three-month membership to Fuel Fitness and entry into a variety of fun prizes.
BIAMT is seeking sponsors of all levels—they offer sponsorship packages from $500 to $1,500 with a variety of benefits, the best of all is supporting an area nonprofit that supports those in need, as well as a day hiking in beautiful Big Sky Resort, says Bigart.
“Sponsors are protecting heads and saving brains by providing helmets for kids across Montana,” said Bigart. “They’re helping family members of victims of brain injuries and helping us to fulfill our mission of creating a better future for those impacted by brain injuries.”
Those looking to participate can sign up as an individual, a team or make a donation on their website.
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019:4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be
Event Details
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be hot cocoa donated by the Hungry Moose and pizza donated by Blue Moon Bakery. Ice skate rentals are available at East Slope Outdoors until 8pm.