Heartwheels

Taku Hanson was one of the most special members of our Sea Hawkers family — a prior Seahawker of the Month who embodied everything this community stands for. Even while fighting his own battle with stage 4 cancer, Taku created Heartwheels with a simple goal: make sure every child being treated at Montana's only cancer center received a Hot Wheels toy to play with during treatment and take home.

In a single year he donated 2,500 cars, and had already collected over 5,000 more when he passed away. The program grew into something even bigger — adult cancer patients began bringing cars to give to the kids receiving chemo alongside them, lifting the spirits of the entire cancer ward.

Taku was also a veteran who spent his time visiting other veterans in the hospital, especially those who had no one else. He volunteered across the community — supporting adults with Down Syndrome, helping local animal shelters — all while undergoing his own treatment.

His legacy continues today, lovingly carried forward by Brenda. Rest easy, Taku. You made the world a better place.

Keep Heartwheels Going

Want to honor Taku's legacy by helping put a Hot Wheels car in the hands of a child going through cancer treatment? Send new, unopened toy cars to Brenda.