Sotara Barnaby helps Shodair make miracles

By Lailani Upham

Sotara Barnaby, the Montana's 2011 Children's Miracle Network Hospital Champion volunteers her time at the Ronan Dairy Queen last week in an effort to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network through the sales of DQ blizzards and donations. (Lailani Upham photo)

RONAN — On August 11, Montanans had the opportunity to change lives and make miracles happen by simply enjoying a cool treat from participating Dairy Queen restaurants around the state.

All proceeds from sales of Blizzard treats went to Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena. The Ronan Dairy Queen has been joining in on the fund raising effort for the Children's Miracle Network since 1984, according to DQ owner Travis Clairmont.

Sotara Barnaby, Montana's 2011 Children's Miracle Network Champion, from Pablo helped locally to serve blizzards and smiles to the customers last Thursday. With a bounce in her step and a smile and touch of determination Sotara served treats and greeted the customers.

According to one of the DQ employees, Sotara asked to come back and "help" the next day.

Shodair is one of 170 premier children's hospitals nationwide affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network Montana. The funds raised at Dairy Queens across the state will go toward services at Shodair, which is the only hospital to provide both acute and residential psychiatric care for children and families here in Montana. They are also renowned for the genetics services it provides to people of all ages at its Helena facility and at outreach clinics across the state.

Clairmont said the family business has been doing this fundraiser for so many years. It began when his parents owned the local ice cream restaurant. "After all these years of doing it, it's kind of nice to meet one of the kids they are helping."

Sotara and Travis Clairmont, DQ owner are pictured with a backdrop of balloons galore from the customer donations to Shodair Children's Hospital that are pinned throughout the restaurant. (Lailani Upham photo)

Barnaby was diagnosed in 2010 with Rubinstein-Taybi, which explained Sotara's growth pattern and delays.

Shodair officials report that it has been estimated that approximately one out of 125,000 person has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, a condition that occurs with equal frequency in both males and females. Symptoms and signs of the condition vary with each individual and can include heart and kidney defects, eye abnormalities, and dental problems. People with this condition also have an increased risk of developing cancerous and noncancerous tumors. There is also an increased risk of leukemia.

One of the symptoms of Rubinstein-Taybi, Sotara experiences is she cannot communicate as easily as other children her age, and this difficulty in communication sometimes makes it hard for her. However, she had no problem communicating great customer service not only to the customers but brought smiles and joy to the employees as well.

Shodair Children's Hospital Administrator Jack Casey stated before the campaign, "It's a tasty way to support kids and Montana's only Children's Miracle Network hospital, and have a little fun, too," he said.

Last year Ronan Dairy Queen raised $2,518 with blizzard sales and donations combined, Clairmont said.

According to Shodair officials, Shodair provided over $3 million in uncompensated care last year to patients in need, and relies heavily on donations and funds raised through its Children's Miracle Network fundraising partners to help offset the costs of these critically needed services.

Sotara happily posts balloons from customer donations during the day. (Lailani Upham photo)

On March 24, Barnaby, who is the first Native American representative, was welcomed to the state capitol in Helena to receive an honor of a joint proclamation of the State Senate and the House of Representatives in recognizing her selection as Montana's ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network.

Sotara and her family will fly to Washington, D.C., in October to meet with the other 51 Children's Network champions from around the country. The Barnaby family is currently holding events to raise money for the trip for additional expenses.

After the D.C. stay the family will then head to Orlando for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals celebration at Disney World.

Help from corporate sponsors provide airfare, lodging and food. Sponsors include: Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, Dairy Queen, Carmike Cinemas, ACE Hardware, Great Clips, and IHOP.

For more information about Shodair or for donations, visit www.shodair.org.