Article by Anna Rogers | Photos by Jamie Blotske

A new local fundraising effort is underway to bring a basketball court to our city’s beloved Pioneer Park – but the story behind the court is so much bigger than basketball. It is a story of tragedy and grief, of love and unbroken spirits – of hope for tomorrow. It is a story of devoted motherhood, showing up for one another, and bringing light and joy into the darkest places of sorrow. This is the story of Kaden’s Court. 

Kaden Edinger, beloved son, and brother, was “known for his easy smile, witty sense of humor, charming approachability, and love of all things basketball. He cherished being part of the team, but making new friends at a quick pick-up game brought him even greater joy.” 

At just 20 years old, Kaden’s life tragically ended from an accidental fentanyl poisoning, leaving the Edinger family reeling in the wake of such an incredible loss. When Kaden first passed away, we couldn’t wrap our minds around the magnitude of the loss, says Kim Edinger, Kaden’s mother. “Even seeing his photo or saying the words out loud took our breath away. Leaving the house and talking about it to others was hard enough, but the fact that our son died from a counterfeit fentanyl pill brought a whole new level and dimension to the devastation.” 

Faced with unimaginable pain, the family’s response demonstrated the depth of their love for Kaden in how they rose up with honesty and transparency to fight and raise awareness for other families and young people who might find themselves in similar situations. 

Since their world was torn apart, the Edinger family has not slowed down in building others up. Kim is an inspiration – holding her grief in one hand and lifting everyone around her with the other. She has spoken at high schools, community groups, and treatment centers – “anywhere I am invited and where there is a need,” she says. In 2020, she co-founded Overdose Awareness MT with Carol Keenan. Their mission is to honor those lost to substance abuse without stigma and shame, to support others who have lost a loved one to a drug-related death, and to cheer on those still struggling with addiction. 

“Kaden told me often when he was down, ‘Mom, I think God has me struggle so that when I get through it, I can help others like me because I will have been there.’ Kaden didn’t get the chance, but through his family, friends, and all those who knew him, I know he is still touching lives and getting the chance to help others.” 

And now, Kaden’s life inspires even more light in the Billings community. 

TO THE COMMUNITY 

In honor of Kaden’s life and to celebrate his love of basketball, the Edinger family, together with their friends and community, have created Kaden’s Court – a project to bring a basketball court to Pioneer Park. While promoting recreation and health, this court will also be a personal sanctuary for those who share Kaden’s love of basketball to practice alone or find common ground with people of all ages and backgrounds. 

“Kaden’s Court has brought together a group of incredible people who not only know our story, but who also share in the passion and reason behind this project,” Kim says. “The incredible support we have received sends a clear message that, first of all, we need a basketball court in Pioneer Park! But more importantly, that the reason behind it resonates with so many. I hope Kaden’s court will always serve as a reminder that we are never alone, that those who struggle with substance abuse are not any less deserving of belonging, compassion, and respect, and that when we come together, we can make beautiful things.”

“We decided early on that we would not hide it nor be shamed by it. We would not let how Kaden died overshadow who he was. The more vulnerable we were, the more others felt safe opening up, too. We realized we were certainly not alone.”

TO THE MOTHERS 

Kim’s experience has changed her as a mother. “It has given me perspective on what truly matters. The words ‘soak it up, take it in, slow down’ are my constant companions. Sometimes, I feel like I am trying to take a mental picture to save the little moments forever as I have learned, first-hand, how fragile life is.” She hopes other mothers will embrace this appreciation for what matters and that they will seek out help without shame if they need it. 

“Kaden would go out of his way to let everyone know they mattered and to make them feel included, always full of optimism and hope, never judgment.” And maybe, after hearing his story, the Billings community can embrace that, too. 

Visit the Kaden’s Court Facebook page to learn more about getting involved with the Kaden’s Court project through events, donations, and more. Thanks to Partners for Parks Foundation for their partnership in making this dream a reality.

Originally printed in the May 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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