Brent's Place

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  • Mission Moment | Aubrie’s Journey

    Mission Moment | Aubrie’s Journey

    Last year, Aubrie, a spirited 10-year-old, faced a cascade of medical challenges that upended her family’s life. Prompted by a series of alarming diagnoses, they embarked on a journey to Children’s Hospital Colorado, in search of lifesaving medical treatment.

    Initially diagnosed with chronic autoimmune hepatitis of the liver, Aubrie’s condition took a turn for the worse when a bone marrow biopsy revealed a new diagnosis – severe aplastic anemia, requiring urgent intervention. 

    The severe illness didn’t respond to immunosuppressive therapy, so Aubrie would need to undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant. While the search for donor stem cells that were a perfect match dragged on, Aubrie’s family rallied around her, embracing every moment, from celebrating her 11th birthday and playing with crazy hair styles – dying it purple and red, and even buzzing-in her initials, knowing it would soon fall out in response to treatment. 

    Although Aubrie’s medical team found her perfect match, the road to recovery was fraught with obstacles. Financial strains, compounded by unforeseen challenges like black mold at home, threatened to derail their hopes. 

    Enter Brent’s Place – a beacon of hope for families like Aubrie’s. Providing safety amidst the storm, Brent’s Place became their home away from home, offering not just physical shelter, but also unwavering support. With a dedicated team by their side, led by compassionate Brent's Place staff like Family Support Manager Gerri, Aubrie’s family found solace in the midst of uncertainty. 

    Aubrie’s mom, Carissa, reflects, “Gerri knows what I need more than I know what I need. I can’t even think of what to ask for, I’m just focused on my daughter. Even when I don’t know what I need help with, she has an idea and will say “there’s something in your mailbox.” Gerri’s deliveries have ranged from ultra-soft mattress toppers, to gluten-free goodies for the family to enjoy. 

    Carissa adds, “It's the sweetest things I would never even think about. I had edema when I was pregnant and came home one day to find a blood pressure cuff so I could be sure I was taking care of myself, too.” Supermom Carissa delivered a healthy baby boy on December 15, called Vinnie. 

    Aubrie is currently transfusion-dependent and has faced several infections since her transplant, requiring long inpatient stays in December and January. Her family most looks forward to Aubrie’s complete healing and regrowth of her own healthy cells, a medical gift needed to receive the all-clear to go home. 

    By supporting Aubrie’s journey, you’re opening doors to hope and healing for countless families facing similar battles. Together, we can make a difference.

    Visit brentsplace.org/give to learn how you can be part of our life-changing mission.

  • A Home Called Brent’s Place | Author’s Q & A

    A Home Called Brent’s Place | Author’s Q & A

    In 1998, Donn and Linda Eley opened the first Brent’s Place facility, featuring five fully furnished apartments that provided Safe-Clean accommodations designed for patients following bone marrow transplants. Now, 26 years later, Brent’s Place serves nearly 400 families facing a life-threatening illness each year, providing housing, food security, and comprehensive support programs.

    Donn shares his family’s inspiring story, shaped by love, courage, and unity, in his memoir “A Home Called Brent’s Place.” In its pages, Donn describes the community on whose shoulders a mission was built and how his son’s courage continues to spark hope for the families who call Brent’s Place home.

    To celebrate the launch of “A Home Called Brent’s Place,” we asked Donn a few questions about his memoir:

    Q: What inspired you to write this memoir?

    A: “After Brent’s death in 1988, Linda, DeAnn, and I committed to do something to honor his spirit and courage. We started by raising $5,000 for the American Cancer Society. We created the Brent Eley Foundation (BEF) in 1997 and opened the first Brent’s Place in 1998.  In 2020, Brent’s Place served over 300 families, and BEF net assets exceeded $18 million. The history of this incredible success story needed to be told and I was the only one who could do it. The Brent’s Place story needed to be told for all those who have made it possible: volunteers, donors, staff, our hospital partners, the families we serve, and the future.”

    Q: How did you decide what to include and leave out of your memoir?

    A: “I included the people and events that made Brent’s Place possible. My family, the family that Linda and I created, Brent’s story, the Village Homes family who made our Kid’s Cure fundraiser grow, the Brent’s Place family of volunteers who gave their time, treasure, and talent to create the first Brent’s Place and who continue to support our mission. Our Board of Directors and staff who are responsible for daily operations and the future. My focus was on the most significant events and people who have made Brent’s Place possible.”

    Q: What was the most challenging part of crafting your first book?

    A: “Making the commitment to start was the most difficult. Once I started, I had to finish.  Remembering how it all went brought tears to my eyes. Support from family, friends, business associates, and volunteers brought joy and a better understanding for how God works.”

    Q: What was the most fulfilling part of writing this book?

    A: “Brent’s story will never be forgotten because of how his spirit and courage has been used by God to help other families facing life-threatening disease. The journey shows the power of the human spirit to turn tragedy into triumph. One 13-year-old boy planted the seed that has grown to help thousands of families from all over the world regardless of their race, color, or creed.”

    Brent’s Place is built on a strong foundation of love, community, and remembrance. Every day, we honor Brent’s loving memory by keeping hope and healing within reach for families searching for lifesaving treatment options far from home. Donn adds, “Brent, not this project, has changed my family’s lives and the lives of all of our Brent’s Place families, volunteers, donors, and staff who have made Brent’s Place possible.”

    All proceeds from Donn’s memoir will be donated to Brent’s Place – order your copy today!

  • ANNOUNCEMENT: Changes to BlockParty and Family Reunion Schedule

    ANNOUNCEMENT: Changes to BlockParty and Family Reunion Schedule

    In 2022, we saw the return of our fan-favored, pre-pandemic community builder event, Brent’s Place Block Party. After a two-year, COVID-forced hiatus, it was refreshing to see the return of in-person events that finally offered a conduit for connection with local supporters, current Brent’s Place residents, and new partners – masked connection, but a connection nonetheless!

    Adding back to Block Party’s impactful family programming, Family Reunion Weekend returned to our special event line-up last year. This brought more than 200 past and current resident family members back together again!  

    While we are encouraged by the momentum and community connections made over the last two years at Brent’s Place Block Party and Family Reunion Weekend, it is unavoidable that the pandemic has changed how we gather. Special event attendance remains down, while the rising cost of goods and services makes the organizational weight of hosting large-scale events increasingly difficult.

    After careful consideration, we have decided to move to an alternating-year model for The Brent’s Place Block Party and Family Reunion Weekend. Brent’s Place Block Party and Family Reunion Weekend will not be held in 2024. 

    We believe that this change –  while challenging for our team and families to accept – will only make our hearts grow fonder! The alternating-year model will not only save on expenditures, allowing funds to be allocated toward key mission-focused initiatives, but it will also give space for our families to return and resettle into their hometown communities. The draw will be even stronger to reunite when these events return in the summer of 2025.

    If you are a past family resident participant, please look for additional information from Allen Browning and the Family Support team in the coming weeks.

    With your support, we’re excited to make the 2025 Brent’s Place Block Party and Family Reunion Weekend the best yet!

    Warmly,

    Monique McCoy

    VP of External Affairs

    Brent’s Place

  • Mission Moment | Logan’s Journey

    Mission Moment | Logan’s Journey

    In January 2023, Logan made an impromptu visit to the hospital, confused, because he didn’t know why he felt so sick. Logan quickly found out that his heart was failing and he was airlifted from Colorado Springs to the University of Colorado Hospital’s Anschutz Medical Campus. 

    Logan remembers, “my mom graciously came straight to the hospital and ended up staying with me even though she had only packed a weeks worth of clothing. We were both really concerned about needing a place to stay…but in the heat of all that was happening, housing was a ‘we will cross that bridge when we get there’ thing, since, you know, I was dying.”

    Doctors at UCH promptly informed Logan and his mother, Kelli, that a heart transplant would be necessary but he had grown too ill to undergo the procedure. An infection in Logan’s lung also threatened to jeopardize a new heart. Since Logan needed time to regain strength, he immediately underwent surgical implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a pump that delivers oxygenated blood to the body when a patient reaches end-stage heart failure. 

    A hospital social worker informed Brent’s Place of Logan and Kelli’s medical crisis. A month before Logan was discharged from the hospital, Brent’s Place ensured a Safe-Clean apartment was made available for Kelli. Logan feels grateful that, while he received life-saving treatment, his mother could avoid spending $100-$300 per night on hotels and had a base of operations to relax, do laundry, and get support.

    Logan and Kelli found their home away from home at Brent’s Place while he received the support of the LVAD and patiently awaited the arrival of a new heart. We have been

    grateful to support Logan and Kelli on their journey to wellness by providing space to heal at home, on family outings, and through arts and crafts programs. 

    Logan bravely shares, “one of the most memorable moments at Brent’s Place was looking in the mirror and crying to see how much weight I had lost. It felt safe and

    comforting to heal there. We just hung out a lot…it was nice to feel as if we were home and didn't have to worry about where we would land coming out of the hospital.”

    Logan has since returned to Colorado Springs and says “I’m doing pretty good considering. I have a new heart, I am up on my feet, fully independent…I have some lingering issues that will clear up with time and have experienced no rejection.”

    In wellness, Logan most looks forward to swimming and camping. Since his LVAD had to be plugged in, he couldn’t enjoy traveling or being in the water. He hopes to be well enough to adventure between appointments when the weather gets warmer. The entire Brent’s Place team is thrilled to wish Logan and Kelli happy, healthy trails ahead!

    You can inspire hope and healing for young adults facing a medical crisis by getting involved with Brent’s Place.

  • Safeguarding Your Donor Information Is Our Priority

    Safeguarding Your Donor Information Is Our Priority

    On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, our database vendor, DonorPerfect, informed us that, out of 40,000+ records stored on their database, 15 donor records were compromised by an unauthorized actor.

    While this was a minor cybersecurity breach that only compromised 18 image files stored on Brent’s Place donor records, we are dedicated to extending transparent and timely communications to our community of supporters. 

    We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your donor information. For this reason, we do not store images of checks or other sensitive documents within DonorPerfect. Several organizational safeguards exist, including intentionally separating systems and data to mitigate risk. Our cybersecurity measures are regularly reviewed, and we will continue to prioritize investments that ensure the safekeeping of your information. 

    Unfortunately, cyber thieves are becoming more sophisticated in their approach and now use social engineering methods. They take simple information they find online or via a database breach to mine for additional information. Combining sources allows for further identity theft activities to proceed, often undetected. 

    For example, an unauthorized actor could make a call similar to this:

    Hello, John Doe! 

    This is Mark from Brent’s Place, and I wanted to thank you again for the $1,500 donation you provided on March 15.  Unfortunately, we are in dire need of more funds.  Is there a chance you can provide another donation today? I can share our account information for an electronic funds transfer or take your credit card over the phone so we can put your donation to immediate use.

    Please consider the following tactics to protect your information:

    Use extreme caution when sharing your information over the phone and online. 

    Take a moment to verify the identity of the person calling or emailing you. You can determine if the caller or writer is who they say by checking your caller ID, reviewing our staff list on our website, and carefully looking for spelling inaccuracies in the email address.

    Brent's Place will never call and request sensitive information or solicit donations via the phone. 

    If you have received a suspicious caller posing as Brent's Place in the last few weeks, call your financial institutions and regularly review statements for unauthorized activity.  

    For more information about this matter, please call 720-343-2800, and a member of the External Affairs team will be happy to assist you. On behalf of the Board, staff, and the families we serve, thank you for your continued investment in our mission and confidence in stewarding your treasures.

    In trust,

    Monique McCoy

    VP of External Affairs

    Brent’s Place

  • Mission Moment | Scarlett’s Journey

    Mission Moment | Scarlett’s Journey

    At only one and a half years old, little Scarlett has experienced the unthinkable.

    When an emergency room visit led to her Acute Myeloid Leukemia diagnosis, she was life-flighted twice to get from her home state of Montana to Children’s Hospital Colorado.

    Scarlett’s loving parents stayed in the hospital with her until a social worker told Brent’s Place about the family’s crisis. Since finding their home away from home, Scarlett’s mom is most grateful for support from staff members – from providing supplies to baby-proofing the apartment to offering grant sources to help cover Scarlett’s costly medications. She adds, “Everyone at Brent’s Place has been so helpful. We can say “Hey, I’m having a bad day and they comfort us…it’s family.”  

    Scarlett’s specific genetic mutation is especially difficult to treat. After 5 rounds of chemotherapy, her medical team suggested a promising clinical trial drug, Venetoclax, to help keep the disease at bay. When Scarlett reaches remission, she will undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). Scarlett’s recent test results show her blood counts are coming up and her father is a half-match to be the stem cell donor.

    He says, “We are hopeful…cautiously optimistic. It’s been difficult to hear 'this didn't work, that didn’t work.'” Scarlett’s high-risk diagnosis keeps her family in Colorado indefinitely while they hope for her medical miracle. Brent’s Place will be their home away from home every step of the way. You can inspire hope and healing for families like Scarlett’s by getting involved with Brent’s Place.

  • A Special Note of Thanks from a Resident Family

    A Special Note of Thanks from a Resident Family

    One-year-old Crystal received a heart transplant early in 2023. Since December 2022, Crystal’s mom, Debra, and big sister, Navaeh, have called Brent’s Place home while Crystal has faced continued health complications.

  • Mission Moment | Jordan’s Journey

    Mission Moment | Jordan’s Journey

    When 12-year-old Jordan suddenly received a leukemia diagnosis, it was clear a bone marrow transplant (BMT) was his best chance of survival.

    This summer, his loving family relocated from their home in Albuquerque, NM in pursuit of lifesaving treatment at Children's Hospital Colorado.

    Jordan's family loves playing pool at Brent's Place

    Fortune was finally on Jordan’s side when his mom turned out to be a perfect match as his stem cell donor. While the family prepared for both procedures, they settled into their new home away from home at Brent’s Place.

    Jordan's mom remembers taking no time to recover after having her stem cells collected, insisting that she join her son, Jordan, at his bedside. She wept as he received the transfusion of her cells, hoping they would save his life.

    While Jordan worked hard to heal from his BMT, he also reflects on his favorite memories from the past 6 months at Brent’s Place: “Having fun with my family at the pool table, an outing to the zoo, the dinosaur museum, going to the movies, and the Rockies game!”

    The celebrations continue – Jordan’s most recent biopsy results prove his medical miracle has fallen into place.

    Just in time for the holidays, the most wonderful gift, his mom’s cells, have

    successfully taken over and are producing healthy blood!

    Jordan reached 100 days post-transplant on Nov. 22, meaning he and his family could head home for the holidays. Jordan's family is grateful for Jordan's good health and relieved to reach this milestone. In anticipation of his return home, Jordan told us he was most excited to see his cousins and aunties, reflecting on his aunties crying and cousins jumping up & down, hearing he would be home soon.

  • Giving That Gives Back | The Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit (CCCC)

    Updated: Oct. 1, 2025

    With the season of giving approaching, now’s the perfect time to be thinking about end-of-the-year donations and their impact on your personal finances. For those filing taxes in Colorado, the generosity you provide to organizations like Brent’s Place may be offset by a unique tax credit opportunity: the Child Care Contribution Credit (CCCC).

    This beneficial tax credit can provide considerable savings on qualifying monetary gifts of $250 or more made during the given calendar year. When an individual, estate, trust, partnership, or corporation gives to an accredited CCCC program or agency, such as Brent’s Place, 50 percent of your qualifying cash donation is offset dollar-for-dollar against your Colorado income taxes.  This means that the more you give, the greater your tax credit. Stock or other securities and in-kind gifts, such as labor or equipment, are not considered qualifying donations for this Colorado program. Also, the qualifying donation amount does not include the fair market value of goods or services received by the donor.  For instance:

    1.     Donor purchased an auction item for $500, with a fair market value of $200. The qualifying donation amount is $300 and the total tax credit is $150.

    2.     Donor purchased an auction item for $250, with a fair market value of $350. The qualifying donation amount is zero and the total tax credit is zero.

    Here’s an illustration of how this credit could impact your tax savings:

    Your contribution can help provide families that find themselves far from home in search of life-saving treatment with hot meals, a warm bed, individualized support programs, and so much more – regardless of their financial situation. Give today and see your gift – and your tax savings – go further.

    Ready to make a gift to Brent’s Place?

    Because situations vary by individual and tax information may change, Brent’s Place and the Brent Eley Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. Please consult your tax advisor.

  • Mission Moment | Katie’s Journey

    Mission Moment | Katie’s Journey

    Katie’s journey with Brent’s Place began eighteen years ago, when she was diagnosed with cancer at just 2.5 years old.

    Her diagnosis was stage 4 T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cancer (ALL), and it was uncertain whether she would make it through her first night in the hospital.

    Katie healing at the Brent's Place playground in 2001

    Doctors advised Katie's parents that a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) would be her saving grace, so Katie spent her 3rd birthday isolated for chemotherapy treatments, total body radiation, and a BMT.

    Unfortunately, Katie relapsed soon afterward and doctors suggested her parents see her through the rest of her days at home. Heavy-hearted, the family weighed their options. Katie’s parents saw her ongoing will to fight, so her father researched experimental treatment options. A promising study at Children's Hospital Colorado seemed to be their only chance at a miracle, so the family packed up and traveled to Colorado for treatment right away.

    Katie’s two older sisters asked their dad where they would be staying, to which he responded, “We are going to Brent's Place!” The family stayed together in Safe-Clean housing, while Katie underwent lifesaving treatment.

    Thankfully, the experimental drug worked swiftly, and Katie was soon in remission! Katie has been cancer-free for eighteen years and only recently learned that she was the only survivor in that particular clinical trial.

    Katie came back to Brent's Place this summer to intern with our External Affairs team. She fondly reflects her favorite parts of the summer internship were the annual events, Block Party and golf tournament.

    "I loved getting to know all of the wonderful people continuing Brent's Place’s mission to change the lives of patients and families."

    Katie with Linda and Donn Eley at the 2023 Golf Invitational

    Katie is heading into her Senior year at CU Boulder, to graduate in December 2023. After that, she plans to travel to England and Ireland and then hopes to one day have a marketing career at the hospital that saved her life! Katie states, "I wish I were old enough to remember my time at Brent's Place because it's truly unique, coming back and meeting everyone!"

    Bon Voyage and well wishes, Katie! Brent’s Place is honored to be a part of your special journey.