Maddy Bezdicek, accompanied by her parents, Bryan and Jami, and her brother Garrett on a 6-day Big Hearts under the Big Sky adventure with MOGA outfitter members Triple J Ranch in Augusta, MT.

Maddy was 17 when she was first diagnosed with an extremely rare form of liver cancer, and for the next two years she would be in and out of hospitals across the country for tests, chemo treatments, ultimately a full liver transplant in March of 2023, hospitalized recovery and more testing and chemo treatments. During this difficult period, Maddy relied on her Faith, love of the family, and her warrior spirit to see her and the family through these challenging times. A favorite verse of hers and one she draws strength from is Matthew 28:20 “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Maddy and her family had been nominated for the Big Hearts trip when she was 17, but it would be two long years, and many trips in and out of hospitals, before she was able to take the trip. Drawing from the family’s interest in all things outdoors, their trip centered around horseback riding (Maddy connected with a large soral, Rooster, and rode him every day), fly fishing, trap shooting and travels along the Sun River. MOGA members Kim and Ernie Barker with Triple J Ranch hosted the trip and provided a great experience. Some of the best moments came around the campfire while enjoying summer evenings along the Sun River.