In their words: Discover powerful stories from families

We are so grateful for the ARK Foundation and feel overwhelmingly blessed to have been connected with them. Our family of 4 were met with drastic and unexpected changes and challenges in 2025. In 2023, we had our daughter, Josephine. She was an "easy" baby, very independent, rarely cried, slept well, and met all of her milestones quickly. We decided to expand our family and in February of 2025, we welcome Jace into our family. Jace is now 6 months old and is a bubbly ray of sunshine, full of giggles and growls. Almost immediately after having Jace, I was diagnosed with Post Partum Depression and Post Partum Psychosis. The months after were grueling and dark, and the memories are distant and hard to recall. My husband rallied behind me as I faced many challenges, and he took on a great deal of responsibility to help our family thrive and grow during such a difficult transition. Shortly after my diagnosis, Jace was diagnosed with colic. We thought we were well prepared, having a couple years of experience with Josephine. We prepared for Jace using the same tricks that we used with her, but quickly realized that the two were completely different. Every formula that worked for Josephine, caused Jace severe stomach pain and hours and hours of screams and cries. His skin was sensitive and would react to all of the laundry detergents and soaps that we found Josephine was able to tolerate. We spent a great deal of our savings and help from family and friends trying to help our little boy. Days that were once filled with laughs and fun were now filled with hours of screams and attempts to relieve the pain that Jace was feeling. Our pediatrician recommended we try goat milk formula, and so we did. Quickly we realized this was what he needed. We began trying to stock up on this special formula, knowing it was what helped him. Of course, we were met with another challenge - lack of availability of the type that he tolerated. His formula has to be special ordered from out of the United States. Several times we found ourselves running short, not having enough to cover expensive fees of overpriced formula due to short supply, etc. We found the ARK Foundation after several attempts to get help from the Missoula Community, seeking other parents who possibly had extras on hand to lend to our family. The ARK foundation was a heaven send for us. We were contacted almost immediately and met with so much grace, understanding, and love. They were kind and understanding of Jace's needs and ensured that we would be taken care of. As our shipment of formula arrived, I couldn't help but cry, overwhelmed with gratitude. I am still so thankful that it was suggested we contact this foundation, and one day, I will be so grateful to donate to this organization to help other families who need assistance like we do. Thank you to the angels of the ARK Foundation - you do not know how thankful we are for you. 

- Carli