ONGOING SUPPORT
OUR VISION
To make a difference in the lives of Montana families battling pediatric cancer by providing key resources. Through collaboration within our communities, we believe we can help bear the burdens associated with having a child battle cancer.
A UNIQUELY MONTANA PROBLEM
REQUIRES A MONTANA-sized SOLUTION:
MOUNTAINS OF SUPPORT
Founders Kate and Ryan believe each day is a gift and that we are meant to do something with that gift. Thankful for the ability to raise their children in Montana, they wanted to do more to give back to their community. They founded Montana Pediatric Cancer Foundation in 2021 to address a problem unique to Montana pediatric cancer families: nearly half of all pediatric cancer families must leave the state for initial treatment. This adds an extra financial burden on top of what pediatric cancer already places on families. With average pediatric cancer treatments totaling over $800,000, Kate and Ryan knew that a Mountain of Support—100% financial assistance—was needed to help bear the financial burden for families.
MORE ABOUT PEDIATRIC CANCER→
OUR VALUES
We pursue our vision with compassion, empathy, honesty, and a collaborative spirit.
OUR TEAM
FOUNDED BY MONTANANS—FOR MONTANANS
KATE SWAGAR
FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kate was raised in Whitefish Montana and attended nursing school at Montana State University. Throughout her childhood she witnessed her small-town community continually show up and provide for each other. Kate raises her and Ryan’s four children, works as an IV therapy nurse, and acts as Montana Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s Executive Director.
RYAN SWAGAR
FOUNDER
Ryan is the Co-Founder of the Venture Capital Firm, HINGE Capital. His firm has invested in over 90 companies including Liquid Death, Dollar Shave Club, Classy, Life360 and Ripple.
SCOT CHISHOLM
BOARD MEMBER
Scot Chisholm is a social entrepreneur who founded the software company Classy—a San Diego based Benefit corporation that creates fundraising tools for nonprofit organizations. He now teaches other founders to beat the odds and learn to succeed.
