About Shelton...
Shelton James King passed away in June of 2004, the year he
would have been 6 years old...
Shelton was born with an acute seizure disorder which required several surgeries, including a very risky brain surgery before his first birthday.
Shelton was a beautiful little boy who was loved so deeply by everyone in his family. Although he never spoke any words, never laughed or smiled, and never walked or played, he touched the lives of many people and taught many lessons to those who knew him.
He gave us an appreciation for the things in our lives that many take for granted.
Shelton gave our family a stronger faith, and now encourages us to count
our blessings with our beautiful, healthy children and for their ability to run,
play, make us crazy, and love and hug us every day!
What is Shelton's Memorial Fund?
Members of Shelton's family decided that his gift should be shared with others...
When Shelton passed away, a Memorial Fund was created in his memory.
The Memorial Fund is designed to help families of Sanders County who have children with medical needs.
While trying to find a balance between earning a living for the everyday needs of his family and spending quality time with his very sick son, Darin King, of Plains, Montana, Shelton's Dad) found out how difficult it was to manage the rising costs of having a child with special needs.
Even with working as much as he could, Darin and his family were faced with mounting medical bills from Shelton's surgeries and treatment, and the special medical equipment required for his care.
Income is not a factor when providing families with the financial help they need in a medical crisis, as we know first hand how financially draining a medical condition can be when it requires a child and their family to travel out of town for the help they need.
- Since the memorial fund was established, we have been able to help many Sanders County families with their medical expenses.
- In 2005, our first Country Music Festival raised almost $4000.
- In 2006, our Annual Country Music Festival raised over $5000.
Read more about the Annual County Festival
Who has been helped?
The money in the Fund is made available to ALL Families with children that have a medical crisis requiring them to travel out of the county for care.
2007 total: $800
- Twins from Plains
- 2 boys from Plains
- Child from Plains
2006 total: $600
- Boy from Plains
- Girl from Plains
2005 total: $1300
- Girl from Noxon
- Girl from Hot Springs
How does our family get help?
- Live in Sanders County, Montana.
- Have a child that requires care outside of Sanders County.
- Contact the Memorial Fund Administrator and make a request for help Family Request for Help
Email Memorial Fund Administrator - Darin King
*Once you have contacted the Administrator and made your need known,
acceptance and monetary compensation will be based on the availability of funds
in the Memorial account.*