This is a story not only of a young man’s “Outdoor Wish” coming true, but about the generous outdoor folks that make each child’s dream come true.  Young Tanner suffers from Leg Perthes which affects the growth of his left hip and has required multiple surgeries to help him just to be able to walk. After many surgeries, Tanner has had to learn to walk all over again.
 
The Shriners Hospital contacted Benefit4Kids when they learned about the young boy’s dream to be able to hunt something other than the Illinois deer. Ron Salee, a B4K affiliate in Illinois contacted the president of Benefit4Kids, Al Baggett and they both set off to find an outfitter to provide Tanner with an Elk hunt. Due to some unforeseen issues, the elk hunt fell through. Benefit4Kids then went to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (REMF) for some help. Dick Anderson, the owner of Ridgerunner Outfitters LLC, was concerned about the tough terrain that would be required for an Elk, but so he came up with another alternative, a bear hunt. Tanner eagerly agreed.

Ron Salee, his family, and their local conservation club went to work raising money to help support Tanner who is only the second wish kid from IL that Benefit4Kids has worked with. They were able to help raise over $6,000 dollars to help offset the cost of the trip. September arrived and Tanner and his parents arrived in Idaho’s Clearwater National Forest for the bear hunt. Local organizations and businesses had heard about Tanner’s Outdoor Wish and also stepped up with support, gifts, and souvenirs for his trip. Tanner’s hunt began and after a miss on Thursday, Tanner was successful with taking a nice adult Black Bear weighing over 200 pounds the following day.

This is just a typical story about how businesses, organizations, and individuals support Benefit4Kids and help provide “Outdoor Wishes” to terminally ill and life limited kids nationwide. To find out more about Benefit4Kids or to read other of the wish kid’s stories, go to www.B4K.org.

Benefit4Kids is a 501(c)3, 100% non profit, 100% volunteer organization with its primary mission to provide “Outdoor Wishes” to terminally ill and life limited children nationwide.

By Steve Hearing, Benefit4Kids