Professional Therapy Associates (PTA) For The Kids Event Adopts Henry’s Wish To Go To Alaska 

Kalispel, MT 10-year-old Henry was diagnosed with lymphoma, which qualified him for a wish. While spending time in the hospital, undergoing treatment last winter, Henry planned out every single detail of his wish which was to go on a train ride through Alaska! He mapped out different routes he wanted to take and found a route that allowed him and his family to have a first-class experience on the Alaska Railroad! Henry’s trip included a plane over glaciers, sightseeing in both Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, and a stay in a presidential suite in Anchorage, AK. It was the trip of a lifetime for Henry and his family. 

“Henry’s diagnosis was traumatic for our entire family. Hearing that your child has cancer takes a toll on a family. Everything stopped when Henry was diagnosed. We moved to another state, we left our home, our dogs, and anything and everything that was familiar to us. This trip gave Henry hope and something to look forward to. It took his mind off treatment to think about joy again.” – wish mom Shannan 

Professional Therapy Associates welcomed Henry and his family at the airport and continue to stay in touch with him.  

Five years ago, Professional Therapy Associates CEO Chris Leck got involved with Make-A-Wish after being inspired by his wife’s stories as a pediatric oncology nurse who had patients who were wish-kids. He served on the Make-A-Wish board for several years and now is carrying on his legacy as a Make-A-Wish supporter through an annual 5k event. PTA 5K For The Kids raised nearly $13,000, exceeding their goal of $10,000, which enabled them to adopt Henry’s wish. Chris and Professional Therapy Associates plan to continue to grow their event each year in hopes of adopting more wishes for children in Kalispell, MT.  

 “At PTA, we believe that movement is medicine. This concept combined with our passion to help local wish kids inspired us to start this event in 2019. We know that people can find joy in movement and when you combine that with a great cause and spring-time BBQ, our community has stepped up to support Make-A-Wish. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”  – Chris Leck 

“The passion and drive of Chris and his team at Professional Therapy Associates to raise much-needed dollars for wishes is inspiring.  A wish transforms the lives of anyone who plays a part, and for kids battling critical illnesses, the wish journey is an integral part of their overall treatment.  We are incredibly grateful to all who participated in the PTA 5K for the Kids event to benefit Make-A-Wish,” Sue Salter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana.    

About Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana 

Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring the power of wishing to every eligible child because every step of the wish journey can help children build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and 265 volunteers, Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana has granted more than 2,300 wishes. For more information about Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana, visit wish.org/sdmt.  

 How to Refer a Child 

Every day, we rely on wish referrals from caring individuals to help us reach more kids with critical illnesses and grant their life-changing wishes. Children with critical illnesses between the ages of 2½ and 18 who have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization qualify for a wish. A medical professional, family member, parent, or the child with a critical illness can make a referral. Visit wish.org/sdmt/refer to make a referral or email jevenson@sdmt.wish.org to make an inquiry