Hunt of a Lifetime has the privilege of granting dreams every year. But these aren’t just any dreams. These are children’s hunting and fishing dreams that carry the weight of a timeline influenced by a life threatening illness or life threatening disability. Hunt of a Lifetime was born out of a mother’s quest to see her son’s dream moose hunt fulfilled despite the cancer that plagued his body. Matthew Pattison was diagnosed with a type of cancer that was normally curable; however, he had a rare type that multiplied at a faster rate and so ensued the aggressive treatment. Tina Pattison (Founder of Hunt of a Lifetime) sat by his bedside one day talking about their dreams and when asked what dream he had, he said, “Hunt moose with Dad.” Anyone familiar or experienced with big game hunting knows guided moose hunts don’t run cheap.
After being turned down by wish granting organizations, Tina knew she had to make this happen for her son. She made a list and began contacting outfitters right and left, but would hang up with little hope, until she received a call back from an outfitter in Alberta, Canada. His wife had lost her arm to cancer and they were touched by Matt’s story, eager to help his dream come true. The outfitter’s entire town came together to cover the costs of the hunt and stay, and travel was covered by Safari Outfitters Association and Pittsburgh Safari Club’s Don Fetteroff. With the support of hundreds behind him, Matt had the opportunity to harvest a fantastic bull on his first day and spent the rest of the week enjoying the company of everyone in the town that made it happen.
Since then, Hunt of a Lifetime has given more than 1,050 children the opportunity to experience an unforgettable outdoor adventure and fulfill their dream hunt or fishing trip since 1999. If you are blessed enough to be a part of the hunting or fishing community, you know it is more than just a community - it is family. Because of this, Hunt of a Lifetime never turns a child away or the dream requested (as long as they fit the requirements through a doctor letter). They find a way, a place, and a group of people to make it a reality. There would be no Hunt of a Lifetime without the support of the outdoor community. Whether it is donated airline miles, land, supplies, lodging, time, money or organizing an event/benefit, Hunt of a Lifetime has garnered the devotion of many notable outfitters, clubs, taxidermists, and organizations such as the Friends of the NRA Foundation.
Expo and Motel Coordinator, Dan Wilhite, has been with the organization for six years. Bringing his experience from working with a national organization, Dan observed there were not many organizations fulfilling the hunting or fishing dreams of these children with life-threatening illnesses or life-threatening disabilities. Since joining Hunt of a Lifetime, he has had the opportunity to not only share the mission of Hunt of a Lifetime, but also has had a front row seat to witnessing dreams come true. Dan remembers his first hunt granted to a child that had been diagnosed at the age of two. Both parents accompanied the young man to Missouri for a deer hunt. It was the first outing they had taken in 19 years. The dad worked four jobs. This was more than just a dream hunt being granted to a kid, Dan realized. This was a gift to the parents as well. The time spent in a completely different environment than what was considered their “normal,” eyes glistening as they witnessed their child fulfill his dream… it was their dream coming true too.
“Life ain’t bad compared to what these kids are going through,” Dan explains. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by a diagnosis - whether terminal or not. Our perspective shifts as we think of what the person, colleague, friend, or family members must be going through, but very few of us understand or have experienced the gravity of what being on the receiving end must be like. Imagine your favorite hunting memory to date. Now imagine the possibility of it being your last. Ever. Words will never adequately paint the picture of what these kids, these families, these parents experience during such trivial times. Nor will they describe the fulfillment of those who get to play a small part in making a child’s wildest outdoor dream adventure come true.
Everything from trophy fishing in Hawaii to alligator hunting in Louisiana, Hunt of a Lifetime hosts 55-77 kids per year around the United States and beyond. With ambassadors in every state, Canada, New Zealand, as well as Dan setting up more than one hundred expos and shows this year, Hunt of a Lifetime’s name is spreading like wildfire - igniting a desire in the hunting and fishing family worldwide to contribute to a cause that is more than just worthy - it is humbling. Too often, it is easy to forget the privilege of enjoying the great outdoors uninhibited by extreme health issues, debilitating physical limitations, or doctor’s orders. No less as a youngster. With only three people drawing a check in the non-profit (the accountant, the attorney as needed and CPA), Hunt of a Lifetime is proud to direct all the money donated towards their general revenue fund. Other fundraising efforts, such as their Raffle Moose Hunt, raise money that helps cover the costs of every aspect of the trips. The greatest need of Hunt of a Lifetime is spreading the word about their mission. In spreading their mission, the ability to attract more guides to donate hunts, partner with local hunting or fishing organizations and professionals, and raise money for transportation costs increases drastically.
If you or someone you know would like to contribute to Hunt of a Lifetime in any way, or to fill out an application for a Hunt of a Lifetime trip, please visit www.huntofalifetime.org.