Montana Brave Hearts began as Evit’s Hope in the fall of 2022, founded by Kalee Plowman, a heart mom in Polson whose son, Evit, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. What started as a way to raise funds for research quickly grew into a broader mission—one that would offer support and resources to families across the state who are navigating the challenges of critical congenital heart defects.

In 2023 and 2024 the team grew to 4 founding heart moms, all who have children with single ventricle hearts, and call the state of Montana home.  Recognizing the lack of resources across the state, these mothers teamed up to collaborate and expand the Mission of the work of Montana Brave Hearts, taking the impact from the Northwest corner of the state to encompass the entirety of Montana.

Today, Montana Brave Hearts is a nonprofit committed to both funding life-changing research and providing vital support to families impacted by CHD. The organization’s programs include family support through various initiatives, a bereavement program for those coping with loss, and a scholarship program that helps meet unique, family-identified needs.

As heart moms, these ladies understand firsthand the overwhelming challenges that families in Montana face—especially those who must travel great distances for care. Montana Brave Hearts is here because no family should have to face this journey alone, and because every person living with CHD deserves a future full of hope.