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Leslie was shocked when her son, Aidan, was diagnosed with cancer. What she thought were just the usual growing pains of adolescence—achiness, reluctance to get out of bed for school— turned out to be something more serious. A series of tests revealed the devastating truth: Aidan had leukemia.

The diagnosis upended their lives, sending them on a late-night, five-hour drive from their hometown ER to specialty treatment in Colorado, far from the support of family, friends, and the familiarity of home.

Throughout Aidan’s long treatment, one thing made all the difference: Brent’s Place. Years earlier, Leslie’s stepdad had stayed at Brent’s Place during his own cancer battle, and now, the entire family of six experienced the same compassionate care and supportive community.

Brent’s Place became their sanctuary, a stable home away from home. With spacious, comfortable family apartments, meal support, and room for Aidan’s dad and brothers to visit, they found not just a place to stay, but a place to heal together.

Even after Aidan’s long-term stay ended, Brent’s Place continued to support him. He and his family returned for follow-up visits, staying in our short-term hospitality suites. No matter the phase of the journey, Brent’s Place is always there for families like Aidan’s.

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of his 80th birthday, our founder, Donn Eley, is matching every donation up to $80,000. That means your gift will go twice as far in providing families like Aidan’s with the stability, comfort, and care they need during the most difficult time of their lives.

No family should face cancer alone. Together, we can give them the support they deserve.

Donate today and double your impact!

In April, Olivia was celebrating her 15th birthday when she noticed a strange rash starting to appear on her leg. She felt fine otherwise, but just to be safe, her parents sent a picture to a friend in the medical field.

Within 48 hours, Olivia was in the hospital. What started as a simple rash turned into a frightening medical mystery. Weeks passed without answers, leaving her family in a state of uncertainty and fear. Finally, after countless tests, the diagnosis came: aplastic anemia. For no known reason, Olivia’s bone marrow had stopped producing blood cells—a condition that, if left untreated, could be fatal. Her only hope was a bone marrow transplant, and time was critical. 

Fortunately, Children’s Hospital Colorado was ready to help. The challenge: they would need to leave their home in Montana and stay in Colorado for what could be months. Olivia’s mom, Genine, recalls feeling overwhelmed—until they connected with Brent’s Place. 

“We needed a place that was safe for Olivia, since she’s immunocompromised. Brent’s Place is clean and close to the hospital. Everything we need is right here. It’s such a relief,” Genine shared.

The relief wasn’t just in the practical support, but in the emotional connections Genine has made at Brent’s Place. “Being able to meet other parents who are going through the same thing has been incredible. In the common areas, people gather, share stories, and support one another. It’s comforting to know we’re not alone in this.” 

After arriving in Colorado, Olivia underwent the transplant—her bone marrow donation came from her brother, who was a perfect match. Thanks to his generosity, combined with the care she received from her parents, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the team at Brent’s Place, Olivia is on the path to recovery. 

“It’s nice having my own room and my own space. It’s really comfortable here. I love cereal, so I like going downstairs and picking out cereal from the big cereal bar. It’s just really cozy,” Olivia shared. 

In a few months, Olivia hopes that she’ll be home and starting the next semester of school in person, instead of online, healthy and ready for the next chapter of her life.

Thanks to support from the community, Brent’s Place could be there for Olivia and her family while they navigate such a difficult time. During a health crisis, we believe everyone deserves a safe, welcoming place to rest, heal and find hope. Together, we can make that a reality for families like Olivia’s.  

Support families like Olivia’s today.

Last December, Andrea experienced difficulty breathing during a holiday-themed fun run. This was highly unusual for someone who had completed a half marathon and a 10K earlier that year. A week later, she faced similar symptoms while playing with her granddaughter, prompting her to schedule a doctor’s visit.

Blood tests revealed devastating news: Andrea was facing her third cancer diagnosis in twenty-four years. This time, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She began treatment a week later on Christmas Day 2023. 

After four months of intensive treatment and a stem cell transplant, Andrea and her caregivers moved into Brent’s Place at Forum Fitzsimmons. This was her second stay at Brent’s Place, with her first dating back to 2017. Upon arrival, Andrea felt an immediate sense of relief. “The pantry and fridge were filled with food, which was so nice to have available right away. We had everything that was needed, and we just had to bring our personal items,” she recalled.

Andrea found solace and strength in the support provided by Brent’s Place. Conversations with our Family Support Manager, Lisa, and the sense of community during shared meals with other families in similar situations were invaluable. “Having the community meals to look forward to and meeting people who are kind of in the same situation has been really helpful. It’s comforting to know you’re not the only one here,” Andrea shared. 

Today, Andrea is preparing to head home. She looks forward to reuniting with her “village” in Colorado Springs, enjoying some solitude on her patio, and returning to her training schedule. She’s thrilled to report that she can now walk four miles at a time and has taken the leap to register for a 12k in Florida.

We are so glad we could be there for Andrea and her family during this challenging time. Faced with such adversities, everyone deserves a sanctuary to call home. Together, we can make that possible. 

Support patients like Andrea today. 

Juliette's first emergency room visit was in April 2023, when she was just three months old. During her first week in daycare, Juliette caught a virus and began having trouble breathing. Her parents took her to the ER, where x-rays of her lungs showed no cause for concern, so the family was sent home. 

This happened three more times in one month. On the fourth visit, Julie, Juliette's mom, asked the doctor why her daughter's heart looked so enlarged on the X-ray. Mother’s instinct prompted the medical team to keep her for observation overnight. 

The following day, Juliette’s doctor called Children's Hospital Colorado, and they suggested an echocardiogram. The diagnostic test showed Juliette’s heart was barely pumping; she was experiencing heart failure. Julie remembers, “Her dad and I stayed the night with her. I thought they'd send us home like they did before. We never expected it because every visit before, everything looked fine, plus she was gaining weight and hitting her milestones. We were shocked.” 

Juliette and her mom had to relocate to Children’s Hospital Colorado in June. Julie’s partner and two older daughters stayed home in Carbondale to continue their work and school responsibilities. Fortunately, a hospital social worker referred Julie to Brent’s Place, where she would have a safe, clean, comfortable home away from home to rest when not bedside in Juliette's hospital room. 

On the second day in the hospital, Juliette went into cardiac arrest. A dangerously irregular heartbeat prompted her medical team to place her on a machine to aid her heart's function for 16 days. She later needed a cardiac device implanted in her chest to help her heart pump blood throughout her body. Juliette's condition was dire. The only true chance for survival was a heart transplant.

After being on the transplant list for nearly a year, Juliette received her second chance at a healthy childhood in the form of a new heart on March 19, 2024.

Her mom, fondly reports, “She is doing so well. She is getting adjusted to being out of the hospital since she was just four months old when she went in. She’s so aware of everything going around her, all of the noises."

Julie had become accustomed to life as a caregiver of a chronically ill baby, heading to the hospital early in the morning and returning home to Brent's Place late at night. Since being discharged from the hospital, Julie and Juliette have spent their time together snuggling and playing without the constant constraint and alarm of the hospital machines. "She is so cuddly—it’s so quiet, just her and me, without the nurses and the machines,” Julie reflected.

Julie adjusted Juliette’s tiara and shared, “We are just so lucky Brent’s Place exists so patients with transplant kiddos can be here. Having a safe and clean place to stay the whole time – a year and a half for us – has been the biggest blessing. Knowing that when your kid is discharged, they'll be safe here – it’s special. I know some states don’t have an option like this. I appreciate the meals, too. Having food after being at the hospital all day has been a huge relief. Breakfast on Fridays is the best!” 

Some of Julie's best memories of Brent’s Place were formed far from the hospital walls when her older daughters and her partner visited. Julie says, “Brent's Place helped us experience so many places! The museum, a Rockies game, zoo lights. It was a nice break to leave the hospital and experience the city as a family." 

With Juliette tucked safely in her arms, her mom remembers, “It takes a toll on you being at the hospital all the time. It’s so hard seeing the same kids every day and then not seeing them anymore, still hoping your child will get better.” 

We invite you to join us in wishing Julie and Juliette continued healing and a safe reunion with their family.

Join Brent's Place in ensuring that families facing a medical crisis have a sanctuary to call home during their most challenging time by getting involved today!

In 2021, Cody faced total paralysis from the waist down. Six months of grueling rehabilitation followed, with one singular goal in mind – to walk again and return to his beloved ranch. But fate had another challenge in store. 

A blood test prompted by a blood clot in his right leg uncovered more devastating news: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a relentless cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Cody was whisked from Wyoming to the University of Colorado Hospital that day, in search of life-saving treatment.  

The urgency was palpable as Cody’s oncologist stressed, “We can’t wait. We need to start chemotherapy today.” Donna vividly recalls those agonizing days, fearing the unknown, fearing for Cody’s life.

Navigating the unknowns of treatment and city life seemed insurmountable, until a glimmer of hope emerged – Brent’s Place. From the moment they arrived, they were embraced by warmth and compassion that exceeded all expectations. 

Donna’s words echo the sentiment shared by many: “We are from a ranch 45 miles from any town. We never lived in a city and didn’t know what to expect. Our apartment was very nice, and we found much-needed comfort, safety, and a sense of belonging.” 

Even when Cody’s cancer returned, and the pair flew back to Denver for medical care, Donna said the overwhelming generosity and love that has been shown to us is awe-inspiring…now we believe in miracles.” 

As Cody undergoes a bone marrow transplant, their stay at Brent’s Place extends, offering them not just shelter, but a sense of belonging and hope for the future. As they dream of returning home and being reunited with their family, grand babies, and the simple joys of ranch life, Brent’s Place will support every step of the way. 

Join us in ensuring that families facing a medical crisis have a sanctuary to call home during their most challenging time – get involved with Brent's Place today!