A Montana Dream Come True

Liam’s Dream came true in the breathtaking beauty of Bozeman, Montana as he got to meet his hero, Steve Rinella of MeatEater. Thanks to a special partnership between Toby’s Dream Foundation, The Station Foundation, and the MeatEater team, 11-year-old Liam and his family experienced an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

The adventure began at The Station Foundation’s Frogman Cabin, nestled at the base of a major hiking trail near the Gallatin River. Mom shared how the boys “lost it in excitement” when they first arrived. With no TV, Wi-Fi, or cell service, it was “100% just us at the cabin.” Surrounded by cedar wood, windows open to the sounds of the river, and a giant beanbag for lounging, it was, as mom described, “SO peaceful.” The Station Foundation and their supporters generously stocked the cabin with food and gifts, backpacks, water bottles, fly-fishing lures, books, board games, and more. “We were treated like rugged mountain kings,” mom said, reflecting on how cared for and welcomed they felt.

At the Museum of the Rockies, Liam’s passion for paleontology came alive. He spent the entire day exploring fossils, exhibits, and collections with experts who treated him like one of their own. He was given private tours, a chance to clean real fossils, and even analyzed specimens like a professional. “He has never cleaned anything more thoroughly,” mom said proudly, remembering Liam working carefully on a crocodilian scoot, his name added to a preparation sheet. Holding a 9-inch Tyrannosaurus tooth, analyzing digs, and connecting with staff paleontologists gave Liam not just knowledge but inspiration. “Liam found his people while we were out there,” mom explained. “The excitement he has now about his dream about being a paleontologist. He now knows what he is in for and what he needs to do.” By the end of the day, Liam was already making plans for his future. “We watched his world view explode. Something we couldn’t give him.”

The next day, Liam’s Dream came to life as he met Steve Rinella, his hero from MeatEater. Together with Steve and his team, they spent the day in the Montana wilderness, fishing Mill Creek, hiking to waterfalls, finding wild raspberries, and sharing stories by the water. Steve personally taught Liam how to cast, and they shared conversations about fishing and the outdoors. Later, at a pond run by Taskforce Heroes, Liam fished for hours and was gifted a custom engraved fly rod. It was an overwhelming surprise. That evening, he swam with Steve’s son and received MeatEater gear, including a t-shirt he was so proud of that “Liam went to sleep holding his MeatEater t-shirt and his T. rex tooth.”

Throughout the week, the family soaked in the magic of Montana, Yellowstone, stargazing by the river, ice cream, dinners, and quiet nights of board games in their cabin. Mom described the gift of time together simply, “This really was a Dream come true! I wish we could all experience something like this.” Even more meaningful than the adventures was the sense of hope and future it gave Liam. His mom shared, “What didn’t this Dream experience mean. Liam had no real understanding on planning your future. This gave him a chance to think.” She added, “This experience gave my son his Dreams back.” The trip gave Liam not only unforgettable memories, but also the motivation to chase his passion. His family will always remember the generosity, kindness, and spirit that made it all possible. “Let us never forget the generosity and spirit that people have,” his mom said.

Toby’s Dream Foundation is thankful for the teamwork, time and efforts put forth by the many organizations and people that made this Dream possible. We are grateful for our funding partner Chartway Promise Foundation for helping us make this dream come true.