A Community Runs for Families Who Need It Most

Runners showed up at Fort Missoula Regional Park this past weekend for something bigger than a race.

The second annual Run for Rare — hosted by the ARK Foundation — brought together Missoula community members to raise support for Montana families navigating rare and chronic medical conditions.

And this year, the event carried a milestone worth celebrating: the ARK Foundation received its first-ever $20,000 grant.

Where the Grant Comes From — and Where It Goes

The $20,000 grant came from supporters Doug and Jennifer Betters, connected to the organization Doug Betters For The Children.

The funds are earmarked to help Montana families cover travel costs when they need to seek pediatric specialty care that simply isn't available close to home.

That gap in access is something the Betters know well.

Jennifer Betters noted that a large portion of Montana's population doesn't realize how many families in the state are quietly dealing with rare genetic disorders, heart defects, or childhood cancer — and are doing so largely without local resources.

She acknowledged that access to pediatric care in Montana has improved, but stressed that real gaps remain and that community support for affected families is still urgently needed.

Born from a Hospital Room

ARK Foundation founder and president Alyssa Keith started the organization out of lived experience.

She recalled sitting in a hospital room with her son, facing uncertainty — and the weight of knowing how financially devastating the situation could become.

That personal reality is what drives the foundation's work: reducing the financial burden on Montana families who are already carrying more than enough.

The People Who Showed Up

Race participants said the event's purpose was exactly what drew them out.

Participant Todd Rust reflected that medical challenges are tough on anyone, and that community support makes a real difference for people going through them.

Fellow runner Josh Turner made it a point to return for the second year, calling it an event worth coming back to.

Learn More or Get Involved

The ARK Foundation is a Missoula-based nonprofit focused on supporting families dealing with rare and chronic medical conditions across Montana.

For the full story, KPAX has the complete coverage — including video from the event.