Our Story
Project Footprints was born from a journey marked by hardship, hope, and the unwavering support of a community.
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Morgan McQuillan, founder of Project Footprints, grew up in Joliet, Montana, where she was deeply rooted in a caring and supportive community. At just five years old, her life changed when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Over the years, Morgan endured numerous surgeries, treatments, and cancer recurrences. Through every challenge, her community stood beside her and her family, offering compassion, encouragement, and practical support when it was needed most.
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The kindness Morgan experienced throughout her journey left a lasting impact on her. It inspired a dream she carried for years—to create an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in Carbon County facing unexpected emergencies.
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One of Morgan's greatest inspirations was the poem Footprints in the Sand. Its message—that during life's most difficult seasons, we are not walking alone but are being carried through them—resonated deeply with her own experiences. Throughout years of treatments, surgeries, and uncertainty, Morgan found strength not only in her faith but also in the support of her community. She witnessed firsthand how the combination of spiritual hope and compassionate neighbors helped carry her and her family through some of life's hardest moments.
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That inspiration became the foundation of Project Footprints. The name reflects both Morgan's personal journey and the organization's purpose: to leave footprints of compassion, hope, and service throughout our community. Just as others walked beside Morgan and helped carry her through difficult times, Project Footprints exists to ensure that individuals and families facing emergencies know they are not alone.
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On December 31, 2024, Morgan passed away after her final battle with breast cancer at the age of 30. While her loss is deeply felt, her vision continues to guide our mission.
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Today, Morgan’s family and close friends proudly carry Project Footprints forward in her honor. Project Footprints is led by a dedicated board made up of those family and friends who knew her best and are personally committed to continuing her vision of service, compassion, and community support. The board also carries out the day-to-day work of the organization, ensuring that help reaches individuals and families facing unexpected crises.​
Inspiration
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, You said that once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."
The Lord replied,
"My son, My precious child, I love you and I would
never leave you. During your times of trial and
suffering, when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I Carried You."
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Carolyn Carty, 1963
