‘Big Hearts’ Beat for Western Montana Teen Battling Liver Cancer

Horseback riding, fishing, hiking, trap shooting, cookouts, campfires, cowboy poetry, and much more.

That would be a memorable enough week for any lover of the great Montana outdoors. But when the special guest is a Montana teenager dealing with a rare liver cancer? Well, that makes the memories made for her and her family all the more special.

BIG HEARTS UNDER THE BIG SKY

Big Hearts is a program of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA), which covers all costs for qualifying families to participate in these outfitter-supported trips. Since 2008, "MOGA" has served hundreds of individuals and their families, donating over a half-million dollars in outfitter services.

THEIR LATEST GUEST? MEET MADDY

The recipient of the first family adventure trip of 2024 was 19-year-old Madisyn “Maddy” Bezdicek of Lolo. Maddy and her family were treated to a memorable week at the Triple J Wilderness Ranch near Augusta, Montana, hosted by MOGA Outfitters Ernie and Kim Barker, July 7-12.

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.

Maddy was joined at Triple J Wilderness Ranch by her parents, Bryan and Jami, and her brother Garrett.

WHAT MADDY SAYS ABOUT THE ADVENTURE

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

Sending positive thoughts to a gal with true Montana grit. You can found out more about the Big Hearts program here.