The big brother of three siblings, Dakotah Hurley, is a quick-witted, insanely kind, 17-year-old kid who is full of promise; and Shodair is proud to announce that he is Montana’s 2022 Children’s Miracle Network Champion. Though, to talk to Dakotah today,you would never realize on the surface —all that he has been through in his young life. Dakotah came to Shodair for care with generalized anxiety and major depression. As Dakotah explains it, he was in a really dark place, “Shodair helped me at my lowest times.” He also suffered suicidal ideations and benefited from Shodair’s acute, residential, and outpatient programs. Here, he learned to identify triggers, accept that negative emotions will come, and, thanks to the care he received, now knows how to manage them in a healthy way.

What Does It Mean to be Champion?

Every year Shodair has the incredible privilege of choosing a champion for the Children’s Miracle Network program. It’s an opportunity to recognize a special child, like Dakotah, who has shown tenacity and courage in the face of adversity. Being a Children’s Miracle Network Champion means that he and other fellow champions represent nearly 17 million children treated at CMN Hospitals across the nation. “Shodair is proud of its partnership with CMN and grateful to all the corporate partners across Montana who year after year contribute fundraising dollars to help us meet our mission: To heal, help, and inspire hope,” adds Shodair CEO Craig Aasved. As a Children’s Miracle Network Champion, Dakotah will travel the state visiting communities and sharing his story in an effort to break down stigmas and inspire others to seek help.