'Angels' Help Teen Through Ultra-Rare Disease

A lonely journey began more than a decade ago when Oliver Mills was diagnosed with an ultra-rare degenerative disease.

“It’s not fair. It’s progressively becoming more difficult, but he
keeps his head up and keeps moving forward,” said his mother,

Laurel Gregier. “It’s nice to have Benefis Foundation because it feels like we have a partner in a way, understanding what our unique family is going through. It’s an extreme climate to live in, and Angel Fund is a lifeline.”

Oliver, now 14, was the first American on record diagnosed with beta-mannosidosis, an ultra-orphan lysosomal disorder.

Every year, Oliver must travel to see a slate of specialists at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, where he had a highly experimental bone marrow transplant at age 4 that likely slowed the progression of the disease. He also sees specialists in Philadelphia and has a committed healthcare team in Montana, too. Oliver has swallow therapy, physical therapy, and primary care at Benefis.

However, travel has become increasingly difficult as his pain advances and his motor skills deteriorate.

“Oliver is such a trooper. He loves his life. He is so resilient and goes with the flow,” Laurel said. “He understands that all his medical appointments are important.”

In 2024, Angel Fund donors helped 88 families travel for children’s medical care, an increase of 54% compared with 2023. The need is great.

"It does take a village, and that is where Angel Fund really comes in,” Laurel said. “It relieves pressure and some of the burden as we try to make all these appointments happen and to make the travel fun, too, so it’s not just about the medical aspect but also real quality together time.
Time is the most precious commodity, and we have to make the most of what we have.”

Oliver is “the sweetest boy,” with a great sense of humor and optimism. He’s in a race against the clock as his disease progresses, but Laurel holds out hope for success through the grassroots Lost Enzyme Project, a pre-clinical study at the University of California, Irvine that is targeting the disease.

“We are grateful for the support of Foundation donors and the Great Falls community,” Laurel said. “That kindness and caring about others and supporting them in their need does matter.”

In the last 27 years, Angel Fund donors have helped 1,737 families with the cost of travel for a child's medical treatment.