Journey of Hope: Day 7

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Miles to Date: 2,540

We started our A.M. drive in Livingston, MT, and proceeded to Billings, MT to pick up Melinda Bacchini, a CC Warrior who is also on the staff of the foundation. Melinda is Director of Patient Advocacy and an 11½ year survivor.

Melinda rode with us to Hysham MT, for a combined visit with Kris Volland. Kris was a caregiver to her husband who passed away several years ago, after a 23 month battle with cholangiocarcinoma. We were treated to lunch at her and her husband BJ’s restaurant, the BW Grill and Bar, which they have owned since last October.

While we were there we participated in a Zoom interview with “Wake Up Montana” a morning news show. Melinda, Kris, Linda, and I were interviewed for the show. We discussed the Journey of Hope and each of our experiences with cholangiocarcinoma.

One of Melinda’s daughters was kind enough to serve as photographer and chauffeur to drive Melinda back to their home in Billings.

I must point out that Hysham and the location of the BW Grill and Bar has a colorful past complete with resident ghosts! One story that particularly struck me took place 100 years ago when two convicted murderers were hung at the back of the property on what was known as the traveling gallows. Yikes!

We then spent the next three + hours driving in heavy rains to the ND border. After the rain stopped we took a diversion to check out the scenic viewpoint called Painted Canyon, at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As we pulled into the parking area we were greeted by 10 buffalo freely roaming the grounds. It was a super ending to a great day!

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