Local boy joins Monte and the Griz at Missoula

Press release

A local 10-year-old boy recently received "VIP Experience" at a University of Montana basketball game courtesy of Grizzly Athletics and Trail West Bank.

Karter Scheele was diagnosed at age 6 with Perthes Disease. In Perthes, the blood stops flowing to the hip and causes the ball to disintegrate in the socket. The leg length becomes less and the disease causes considerable pain.

Karter is the second child and oldest son of Tim and Laura Scheele. He joins sister Kami and brothers Kord, Kace and Knox. They live on the family farm 25 miles northwest of Havre.

Karter could no longer participate in wrestling that he had been successful with or other sports and gym class. Doctors cautioned that he should not run or jump with his hip condition. For three years, Karter spent every recess indoors either at the office or in his classroom. He has made nine trips to Shriner's Hospitals, usually in Spokane. At a recent appointment, doctors diagnosed that Karter's body has recently started repairing the bone. Because of this good news, he has been able to try wrestling again.

Grizzly Athletics and Trailwest Bank were looking for children who suffer from a disease and could benefit from some very special treatment and a "VIP Experience."

Tim Scheele is a huge Griz fan and sent Karter's information last fall, hoping he might be able to attend a football game.

In January, the family found out that Karter had been selected to receive his experience at the Griz game, Feb. 15.

Karter and his family were treated to a tour of the Adams Athletic Facility by Monte, the Griz mascot. At the game, Karter was part of the team lineup and got to sit courtside with the team during the pregame. Before the game, Karter was presented with a team ball signed by all of the team players.

"It is truly an experience that Karter and our family will never forget," Laura Scheele said. "When a child is sick and has to be excluded from everything, it is heartbreaking. But being given an opportunity like this makes living with Perthes more bearable. We are so grateful."