Brent's Place

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  • Brent’s Place Thanks Fundraiser Willie Duncan

    Brent’s Place Thanks Fundraiser Willie Duncan

    It isn’t every day you get to honor a legend, but this past month, the Brent’s Place team got to do just that.

    Brent’s Place is made stronger by our families, donors, volunteers and supporters. The generosity and dedication of those who are inspired by the mission of Brent’s Place make it possible for us to continue providing unparalleled support to families in their greatest time of need, and we are persistently grateful for their commitment.

    We had an opportunity to honor the contributions of one such champion last week when we partnered with Club Greenwood, a fitness and tennis club located in south Denver, to celebrate and thank Willie Duncan. Well known throughout Brent’s Place as the fundraising machine behind our annual Roadless Ride event, Willie has single handedly raised more than a quarter of a million dollars in support of our families and mission. Willie has been serving Club Greenwood members for over 20 years and has participated in the last nine Roadless Ride events, despite his own bout with cancer in 2019. And though he usually avoids the limelight, (even going so far as to run away from his adoring fans at times as evidenced in the below video) it’s impossible to miss the impact of his contributions, both within the walls of Brent’s Place and our community at large.

    That much was made clear by the number of supporters and colleagues that showed up for Willie’s surprise celebration. Shaking pom-poms, ringing cowbells, and waving signs bearing Willie’s motto of “Let’s do it for the kids,” the crowd cheered as his personalized Roadless Ride jersey and Brent’s Place room plaque were revealed. And when he hefted a giant check bearing the total amount of his fundraising over the years, a whopping $299,415, the crowd went wild.

    Ever modest, Willie shook his head saying, “I don’t do it for the recognition. I do it for the kids.”

    Brent’s Place CEO Sean Meyerhoffer summed up the emotional moment, saying, "After 11 years of working with Willie, it’s easy to see why he is so beloved. Willie's efforts to engage the members at Club Greenwood in raising money to support Brent's Place is truly amazing and a testament to how respected he is at the club. I am in awe of his can-do spirit, and we are grateful and honored to have him as part of the Brent's Place family."

    Though our gratitude cannot be measured, we’re proud to dedicate Room 312 at Tanner’s House in his honor. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do in service of Brent’s Place, Willie!

    Want to follow in Willie’s purpose-filled footsteps? Join #teamBrentsPlace at Roadless Ride 2021 on October 1! Registration opens August 9.

  • Dos Casas Recap

    Dos Casas Recap

    Thanks to the kindness and generosity of sponsors, restaurant partners, ticket holders,

    auction supporters, and event donors, last month’s 2021 Dos Casas event raised more than $30,000! These crucial funds will help support our families, making their journeys a bit easier by providing a Safe Clean place to stay for as long as they need us, along with additional resources to aid in their loved ones’ treatment and healing.

    As doors to businesses continue to open, we encourage you to pay a visit to our dedicated culinary partners who helped make this year’s event a success! Grab a table and say “thanks!” on behalf of Brent’s Place to our friends at Lola Coastal Mexican, Snooze A.M. Eatery, D Bar Denver, Coperta, TAG, Teocalli Cocina, Sushi-Rama, Marczyk Fine Foods, and Mercantile. Thanks also to our event sponsors: Snooze A.M. Eatery,

    Environmental Landworks, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Montgomery Amatuzio Chase Bell Jones, LLP!

    If you missed this year’s virtual program, you can still watch the 30-minute video that captures the spirit of this year’s event, shares heartwarming stories from our families

    and offers tips for your kitchen at home. Click here to watch and share!

  • Brent’s Place Offers Solid Support To Transplant Families

    Brent’s Place Offers Solid Support To Transplant Families

    Over the past six months, Brent’s Place has served as an oasis for 150+ families, each far from home in search of a medical miracle. In total, eleven of those were families caring for a loved one in the process of receiving a solid organ transplant. This life-saving procedure requires patients and their caregivers to remain in close proximity to the hospital for an average of six to nine months as they prepare, wait, and heal. Families who hail from small or rural hometowns must relocate for the duration in order to access the cutting-edge medical care they require, which is only available in the largest metropolitan areas. But while this move is necessary, it is also an exceedingly difficult transition, removing families from the comforts of home and habit during a period of great fear and uncertainty. It also results in significant financial burdens that come from maintaining two households simultaneously and job loss or time away from work.

    Brent’s Place is able to step in to serve families at this critical point of relocation by offering comprehensive support programming and specialized Safe-Clean accommodations while they are away from home. It truly becomes an oasis of understanding, community, and practical support. Over the past six months, Brent’s Place has supported resident families without ever presenting them with a bill for their stay.

    This includes children like five-month-old Declan, who has been a patient at one of

    Brent’s Place’s partnering hospitals since birth. His family has been staying at Brent’s Place nearly his entire life – from the earliest months when Declan struggled to survive through his receipt of a life-saving heart transplant at three months old. They are still

    residents today – but now, instead of going from despair to hope and back again, they are rejoicing at every turn as Declan grows stronger each day. The family expects to return home to Wyoming in several months, with a happy and recovering baby boy along for the ride for the very first time.

    Unlike Declan’s family, not all caregivers live at Brent’s Place while their loved one remains in-patient at the hospital; many transplant patients reside with their families at Brent’s Place during the waiting and recovery process. Wilfred, an adult liver transplant recipient, recently stayed at Brent’s Place with his wife, Bernice, for more than a month following his transplant.

    Prior to this, Wilfred struggled with health challenges for many years. After successful treatments for cancer, his physicians discovered he was experiencing liver failure attributable to his aggressive cancer treatments. Wilfred was finally able to receive the transplant he desperately needed following several discouraging starts and stops. Two days after being discharged following successful surgery, they moved into Brent’s Place. In addition to avoiding the steep financial burden of paying for hotels out-of-pocket by staying at Brent’s Place, Wilfred and Bernice were bolstered by the support and care they received as residents. Bernice took guitar lessons and baked bread for the Brent’s Place friends she quickly became close with; Wilfred loved having hot meals delivered instead of cooking. Both were deeply grateful for the spacious, clean apartment (their grandchildren, for whom they are the primary caregivers, came to visit twice!) and workout room, which was helpful as Wilfred regained his strength. After 32 days, Wilfred and Bernice were able to go back home to New Mexico and be with their family. They will be returning to a Brent’s Place hospitality suite when they need to be in Denver for follow-up care, but, in the meantime, Wilfred is enjoying finally getting back on his Harley motorcycles!

    While each solid organ transplant family has their own unique story to tell, they all have one thing in common: a need for Brent’s Place. These patients, siblings, and caregivers are dramatically impacted by the accommodations, individualized respite care, and the sense of community they experience while they are residents. Through your compassion and generosity, you contribute significantly to this life-changing impact – bringing a home to families for as long as they need us.

  • Growth Report | Brent’s Place Welcomes New Staff

    Growth Report | Brent’s Place Welcomes New Staff

    In the last few months, the Brent’s Place team has welcomed new members to our Operations and Family Services Team!

    Rachelle Taylor joined us late last year as Family Services Manager responsible for supporting our pediatric patient families on our Aurora Campus. While Rachelle is a new staff member, she has been a long-time friend and partner to Brent's Place.

    Rachelle comes from 4 years of service at our partner, Children's Hospital Colorado, as their Bone Marrow Transplant social worker. Prior to her time at Children's Colorado, she was a pediatric social worker at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. In total, Rachelle brings more than 13 years of licensed clinical social work experience and a passion for supporting children and families who are in the midst of their medical journey. In her spare time, you can find Rachelle at home with her husband and two kids, usually at the park or going on family bike rides.

    In March, Lisa Dowd joined us as our new Family Services Manager responsible for supporting our adult patient families at our locations at The Forum Fitzsimons and Park 17. Lisa comes with 13 years of service as a resource coordinator in Presbyterian

    Saint Luke's bone marrow transplant program. Her background is in early childhood education and psychology.

    "My career choices have always included working with families and supporting their journey. I am excited to be part of the Brent's Place team and a part of your journey," said Lisa.

    When not at work, you can find Lisa doing the things she loves; spending time with her family, watching college basketball, and enjoying the sunshine.

    Katie Graybill is our new Family Support Assistant – providing the first friendly voice and face of Brent’s Place to our arriving families on our Aurora Campus. Katie comes to Brent’s Place after her own family’s medical journey, and with a strong spirit of service to help our families feel safe and welcome. In this newly created position,

    Katie covers front desk duties, but can also be found working behind the scenes to ensure all new family onboarding runs smoothly. Katie brings a strong customer service background and passion for helping others.

    "I have always had a passion for working with kids and was inspired to work at Brent's Place after my brother's difficult battle with leukemia. It is my mission to hold others up during their journey, just as I was," said Katie.

    Finally, we are excited to introduce you to our Vice President of Operations and Culture, Lauren McClanahan. In this newly created position, Lauren's work will be critical to our internal operations and organizational evolution.

    Lauren comes to us from Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), an organization that helps families access assistance to help pay their electric bills. Prior to EOC, Lauren worked at Denver Public Schools in Family and Community Engagement. Lauren has an expansive

    background in human development, family studies, and communications that she is excited to use to advance the Brent's Place mission.

    When not at work, you can find Lauren spending time with her husband and two kids, doing anything outside, and enjoying the Colorado sunshine.

    Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Rachell, Lisa, Katie, and Lauren! We are so happy they have chosen to share their talents with Brent's Place.

  • Leading with Heart

    Leading with Heart

    The servant leadership principles include Empathy, Persuasion, Commitment to the Growth of People, Building Community, and Stewardship. Outgoing Board Chair Tom Whyte brought a unique blend of these characteristics to Brent’s Place throughout his 8-year trustee term and three years of service as Board Chair.

    Tom delivered compassionate leadership with the perfect dose of support to CEO Sean Meyerhoffer while empowering fellow Board members to govern and guide the organization through a tremendous phase of growth.

    When principles are put into action, powerful impact is possible. Along with his wife, Kim, Tom inspired staff with eloquent expressions of appreciation, and wrapped their arms around Brent’s Place families through their volunteer service. Brent’s Place is a better place thanks to you, Tom Whyte!

    Tom officially passed the leadership torch to the capable hands of new Board Chair John Connor in January. John has been a loyal supporter and Brent’s Place trustee for the last five years, during which he served as treasurer, served on the executive committee, governance committee, and the Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee.

  • Brent’s Place 2020 Year in Review

    Brent’s Place 2020 Year in Review

    Just as songbird choruses become more frequent and springtime nears, we are still reflecting on how much the world has shifted in the past year. And though the initial swells of anxiety, unrest, and uncertainty have calmed as months have passed, our thoughts of loved ones and hope for our communities remain crisp just as another renewal arrives.

    Despite the challenges we all endured in 2020, our resilient Brent’s Place families braved

    through those obstacles during their medical journeys. They adopted additional safety protocols to keep all families and staff members safe. And they missed the welcoming smiles and encouraging words from our volunteers. Days looked different at Brent’s Place, but the care and compassion we provided to the 251 families who counted on us last year never wavered.

    The circle of care that rallied around Brent’s Place in 2020 made possible an extraordinary year of impact. Though we had to cancel events, go virtual to stay connected with you, and suspend activities for our 800

    dedicated volunteers, we finished the year stronger than ever. You gave generously and extended your hearts, allowing us to adapt to a new reality and expand our capacity. By doing so, you helped 251 families from 17 states move through the year from the comfort of a Safe-Clean home, near the life-saving treatment they needed. You helped them celebrate 263 birthdays, and provided them 10,303 meals. Most importantly, you helped them know they were not alone.

    Though we are still living through a pandemic, we can now be more proactive and responsive for the 300+ families we’ll serve in 2021. And just as the songbirds remind us, we can be comforted knowing brighter days are ahead.

    With Gratitude,

    The Brent’s Place Staff, Board & Families

  • Brent’s Place Virtual Town Hall

    Brent’s Place Virtual Town Hall

    Join Brent's Place CEO, Sean Meyerhoffer, VP of Development, Patrick Hayes, Family Services Director, Allen Browning, and Marketing and Community Outreach Director, Monique McCoy, to hear how your compassion and generosity has helped us to navigate 2020. You will also learn more about our COVID-19 response, hear some inspiring stories of impact, and we will introduce upcoming opportunities to extend your heart to the 44 families who currently call Brent’s Place home.

  • Happy Fall Equinox

    Happy Fall Equinox

    With the onset of shorter days, cooler temperatures, and rich colors, we have arrived at period of transition. You will likely agree that 2020 has proven to be an incredibly humbling experience for us all, and for this reason change is welcomed!

    To celebrate the shift in seasons, we are writing to you today with a simple but important message: Thank you.

    Thank you to those who were the first to reach out to us in March to express your concern for our families, even as your own reality at home was changing.

    Thank you to the many who have dropped off groceries, cleaning supplies, and care packages to make sure our families always had their essential needs met.

    Thank you for understanding the strict protocols we had to put into place to keep our families safe from COVID-19, resulting in visitor and volunteer restrictions.

    Thank you to the many who called to make your annual contribution early or increase your support. You all have helped to stabilize our ability to support families during their time of greatest need.

    We also take this moment to pause in gratitude for our incredible hospitality partners who donated meals to keep our families well-fed, all while their businesses fought to survive.

    Thank you to event supporters who moved past disappointing cancellations to still find ways to rally around Brent’s Place.

    But most of all, thank you for keeping others in your heart while facing challenges of your own. Brent’s Place is truly grateful for our large, compassionate, and enduring community. And while the year is not over, and challenges remain, we are heartened to know you are by our side.

    We continue to wish you and your loved ones good health and high spirits.

    With gratitude,

    Sean Meyerhoffer, CEO

  • ReUNITED by Brent’s Place

    ReUNITED by Brent’s Place

    REUNITED by Brent's Place is a digital engagement campaign designed to reunite our community through storytelling. Here on our blog, and across social media channels, we will turn the spotlight on the many faces that make up our Brent's Place family from current and past residents to donors, partners, staff, and volunteers. 

    Typically, during this time of year, we would come together for our annual Brent's Place Block Party event and Family Reunion celebration. Since it is not safe to gather past families and hundreds of supporters together this year, we invite you to reconnect with Brent's Place, virtually. 

    Thanks to the generosity of The Karen and Steve Leaffer Family, every gift up to a total of $20,000 will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of each individual donation.

    Scroll down for new stories and campaign updates.

    Day 1

    That feeling you get when you're ReUNITED during a pandemic.

    Giving is great, but there are other ways that you can help us make a splash:

    1. Tell a friend to follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
    2. Share your favorite memory of Brent's Place in the comments section or tag us in your social media post.
    3. Repost our campaign messages to amplify our voice.

    The Henderson Family moved into Brent's Place in September 2013. Since departing in 2014, they have come back to attend our Block Party event five years in a row. In place of a giant Brent's Place group hug, they agreed to reunite with us by sharing their story:

    (From Amanda Henderson) "My husband was in grad school at the time and so wasn’t able to move with us for (our son) Parklen’s treatment. At that time we had three kids; the oldest was the donor for Parklen and we had a little five-month-old baby.

    The social worker told us about Brent’s Place, and it seemed important to have people around us. Initially, we lived there for about 6 months. We weren’t allowed to do group activities because of Parklen’s fragility, but staff would take time with our family so we got to have those connections. We knew all the staff and they knew our kids. Having people to connect with when you’re going through such a hard time is really important. And not worrying about what you’re going to eat or how you’re going to pay for your accommodations – it was all such a blessing to have those things taken off our plate when everything else was so hard. And since we were so far from home, having our own apartment to feel like a home was just lifesaving for us.

    Even after coming home, we were returning every month for appointments — sometimes once a week. And Brent's Place always had a place for us."

    Thanks to our generous matching sponsor, The Karen and Steve Leaffer Family, you can double your impact and ensure families battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses have a place to call home while they receive treatment at a local hospital.

    Give today and double your impact!

    Day 2

    When the pandemic first hit, Snooze was one of our first partners to reach out and ask how they could use their resources to help support the families living at Brent's Place. While the shutdown nearly halted their business, the Snooze family gave from their hearts and delivered complimentary breakfast (that nearly 800 pancakes) for 11 straight weeks.

    Food security for our families has been one of the top priorities for Brent's Place staff. Relieving the very real fear and danger our vulnerable population faces when venturing out into the greater community for basic needs became a necessary safeguard.

    Head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages for your chance to WIN free Snooze pancakes for you and three friends!

    Charlene has been volunteering at Brent's Place for more than 5 years, primarily as a

    regular front desk aid and event volunteer. To say her welcoming presence is missed these days is a grand understatement.

    The nearly 700 volunteers that support our operations are truly an extension of Brent's Place staff, and we could not provide compassionate and individualized care

    without them.

    Charlene, we're so happy to be ReUNITED with you for this little walk down memory lane:

    Q. What inspired you to donate your time to Brent's Place?

    A. I lost my husband, Dave, to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2012. He was in the process of getting his bone marrow transplant when his cancer returned. I remember feeling so grateful for the help that I received from family and friends and also feeling overwhelmed. My hope is that I honor him by helping Brent’s Place families as I understand what they are experiencing. The families, patients, and staff are so amazing and inspiring!

    Q. What is your most fond memory at Brent's Place?

    A. The party water balloon fights that the kids, families, and volunteers all love and end up soaked!

    I also have a very special memory of Greyson on an outing at the Denver Botanic Gardens. He was wearing a mask and his hat (no hair) and he saw a woman who looked really sad. This sweet, thoughtful little boy, who didn’t feel well, reached out to this woman and asked her if she would like to smell something really good. She looked at him and she said that she really would. He gave her a crushed sage leaf and with tears in her eyes she said “you made my day” and he told her that she made his day too.

    Charlene, we miss you! Thank you for your dedication to service. You make our day every time you volunteer.

    Give in honor of volunteerism: https://bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    Day 3

    Brent's Place staff share a love of service to our families, but we are unique in what

    inspires our work. The ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign provides the perfect opportunity to turn the spotlight inward and learn why our employees give their time and talents to this great organization.

    First up is Executive Assistant to the CEO, Anne Petrucci who says:

    "I love Brent's Place because of the dedication and joy the Brent's Place community shares in providing a safe clean home for families."

    Anne is a DIY extraordinaire and multi-tasking Queen! We're so grateful to have her as part of the Brent's Place family.

    Amplify the good! Learn how you can double your impact today: https://bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    Day 4

    The name 'Esther' is probably familiar for our Brent's Place regulars – new friends, you're in for a treat! As a 2019 spokeschild, this sweet child and her family shared their story online and at our signature events, helping to bring a face to our mission out in the greater community.

    We ReUNITED with this beautiful family and asked them to share one of their favorite Brent's Place memories:

    (From Sam, Esther's mom) "The day that Esther got to “come home” to Brent's Place from the hospital after her stem cell transplant. It was really fun! Everyone was watching out the windows. There were kids watching from the balconies as she arrived. She

    had been in the hospital for a while, so it had been months since everyone had seen her.

    We took turns staying at Brent’s Place while Esther was in the hospital. But the day she got out, everyone was there to greet her! This was during Christmas time, so we had a little Christmas celebration and everyone put on their Christmas clothes and opened gifts. Esther and her twin sister, Zinnia, had a birthday while Esther was in the hospital. So we did a birthday celebration as well. It was so fun!"

    Even during the pandemic, holiday and birthday celebrations remain a special part of our programming. Thanks to the generosity of birthday sponsors and our partners at D Bar, we can help families make happy memories during their medical journey.

    Learn how you can help!

    Read more of Esther's story

    Dinner time at Brent's Place is normally filled with the busy hands and full hearts of our volunteers. Since suspending on-site volunteer roles in March, many of our volunteers have invested financially in the organization by sending in donations, activity supplies and even catered meals for our families. One such person is our long-time friend Chris Starks (a.k.a Mr. Lasagna Wednesday) who has been a loyal volunteer for 12 years and delivers lasagna once a month, EVERY month.

    With staff being the only means to dish up meals 3-4 times a week, our appreciation for the roles our volunteers play has been deepened. We ReUNITED with Chris to learn why he donates his time to our organization:

    (From Chris Starks) "If I am able to do something or provide something that can positively impact the life of a kid with cancer and/or their family – no matter how small that impact is -it is all worth it. If providing a meal to the family allows the parent even 10 extra minutes in their day, and is one less thing for them to have to worry about as they support their kiddos healing, a small difference has been made for them. This is why I donate my time to Brent’s Place and will continue to do so until childhood cancer is completely eradicated, or until Brent’s Place asks me to leave. 😉

    I can’t wait to see the kids again and be with the families. These last several months I truly have missed not physically being with the Brent’s Place community – the kiddos and their families, Brent’s Place staff, and the other volunteers. "

    Chris, we miss you too and thank you for standing by us through it all.

    Stand up for kids with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

    Day 5

    All week, the ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign has been sharing stories and

    recognizing the people that make our "place" so special. But we're not done yet! Stay tuned this weekend for more family, sponsor, and staff profiles.

    Next up is our Controller and leader of the Fabulous and Awesome team (a.k.a Finance and Administration), Barb Heverly who says:

    "I love Brent's Place because I get to bring my heart to work every day."

    We're so fortunate that she shares her heart and brilliant number-crunching mind with the Brent's Place family.

    Speaking of numbers, BIG thanks (and virtual hug) to the generous donors that have ReUNITED with us to help us raise more than $10,000 toward our $40,000 campaign goal.

    Learn how you can double your impact today and support more families in need.

    Day 6

    It's the five o'clock hour and the day is done, but for our partners Williams Dental Implant & Oral Surgery a good deed never clocks out.

    Thank you Dr. Bryce Williams for honoring your commitment to supporting Brent's Place even though your sponsorship at this year's Brent's Place Block Party can not be realized.

    If you find your self or your family in need of expert dental care delivered in a relaxed and comfortable matter, head over to Williams Dental Implant and Oral Surgery and tell them their friends at Brent's Place say hello!

    We hope to be ReUNITED with you all at Block Party 2021!

    Join Dr. Williams to ensure that families with a loved one in medical crisis have a home away from home in their time of need: bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    And they're off!

    This weekend, we would have sounded the horn for what has become a sort of victory lap for Brent's Place families at the annual Block Party (formerly Kids' Cure) event.

    The course, which winds through the Anschutz Medical Campus, passes by partner hospital UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado. This ceremonial walk/run allows participants to reflect on their loved one's medical journey and the friends, some now angels, that helped them along the way.

    Although we can not be together to celebrate and comfort one another, we are so thankful for this year's Brent's Place Block Party Presenting Sponsor, Lokal Homes for their continued support.

    Lokal Homes is a Colorado-based home builder that takes pride in their communities and are careful to select locations with easy access to major highways, shopping, dining, and entertainment. In addition to lifestyle needs, their communities are outfitted with beautifully crafted homes, tailored to families and people just like you!

    "We believe in bettering all communities, not just where we build, and we are committed to giving back."

    Lokal Homes is not just an event sponsor, but also an incredible partner here at Brent's Place. They invest in our mission financially and donate their time to show how much they care.

    Until we can be ReUNITED once again, please help use ensure there is a home away from home for families dealing with a medical crisis: https://bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    Day 8

    The ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign is still going strong, connecting our community through storytelling!

    This week, we'll continue to introduce you to the people that make Brent's Place a one-of-a-kind, home away from home.

    Next up is a man that needs no introduction, our Family Services Director Allen Browning. We don't play favorites at Brent's Place, but if we did, you would likely find Allen's name at the top of everybody's list!

    For more than a decade, Allen has shared his heart and talents with Brent's Place to build what is now a thriving Family Services program that offers individualized and compassionate support to every family that walks through our doors.

    Allen says, "I love working with families." Plain and simple. Allen comes to work every day to serve – and he does it all with a giant grin on his face (the greater the challenge, the bigger his smile gets).

    If Allen has brought sunshine into your world, consider lighting the path for another with a donation in his honor:
    https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    Throughout the pandemic, Brent's Place has been vigilant in safeguarding our facilities in an effort to keep this dangerous virus from spreading among our vulnerable population.

    While the protocols in place have helped to ensure the safety of the entire Brent's Place community, the absence of visitors and volunteers has left us all longing connection. We recently had the opportunity to be ReUNITED through story with one of our newer families. The Cook family moved in 4 months ago and plan to be with us through the early fall.

    (From Dawn, Larissa's mom) "Brent's Place has been one of our biggest blessings during this difficult time for our family. We spent the first 2 months completely separated causing so much anxiety and heartache. Being accepted into one of the apartments meant that we all got to be together again.

    Brent's Place is our place to call home since we live 5 hours away and aren’t able to return home until treatment is complete. I get to focus 100% of my attention on the needs of Larissa. They’ve helped provide groceries when I couldn’t make it to the store. They’ve helped provide meals either for breakfast or dinner leaving me with extra time to spend with my family. They’ve helped provide supplies for art and crafts, cakes and presents for birthdays (all 3 of our children have had a birthday during our stay here), cleaning supplies for the apartment, and always a friendly smile and helping hand. Everyone at Brent's Place helped turn my world back around after it had been turned upside down.

    With all of the stress that comes with going through chemotherapy and BMT, it was nice to not have to stress about all of those extra everyday needs. Especially going through this during the current pandemic. They’ve always taken care of as much as possible to help keep our family safe. In ONE word I’d say Brent's Place is DIVINE"

    Thank you, Dawn, Josh, Layla, Logan, and Larissa for sharing your story. We're honored to be part of your circle of care.

    Help us care for families like Larissa's: https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    Day 9

    Through the ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign, we hope you have felt more

    connected to our mission. The stories shared represent only a sampling of our nearly 700 volunteers, and just a fraction of the community partners, donors, staff, and families that form Brent's Place. For everyone in the extended Brent's Place family, far and near, we thank you for standing by us!

    One of our volunteers, Caitlin McPherson, knows a thing or two about loyalty and service. She has been volunteering her time at Brent's Place since she was 14 years old. While she is unable to visit with us in person, we are happy to be ReUNITED through her words:

    (From Caitlin Mcpherson) "The Brent’s Place mission, “To provide Safe-Clean housing and improve the quality of life for children and families living with cancer and other immunocompromising conditions… one day at a time” is fully embodied in every single component of Brent’s Place. From walking into each building being greeted with a smile to hosting annual family reunion weekends, it is evident that the care Brent’s Place has for every single person who walks through their doors is genuine and life-changing.

    While each family at Brent’s Place shares one commonality, their experiences are unique. Brent’s Place recognizes this and consistently meets each family right where they are in order to best support each individual's needs. This authenticity is what connects me with the Brent’s Place mission.

    I love going into Brent’s Place and knowing that no matter the time or day, there is always something that can be done to provide help. Not once has there been a sense of complacency in what is being done; it is always a conversation of what can be done next, what can be done differently, and what can we do to improve.

    The first word that comes to mind when I think of Brent’s Place is 'Family'. The genuine connections that are formed, wholesome memories that are made, and candid conversations that are had will always be something I cherish as well as something I cannot wait to get back to when it is safe."

    Join Caitlin and support our mission today! https://bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    The ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign has allowed us to reflect on the many faces that make up the Brent's Place family, including our team members.

    Next up is Family Services Coordinator, Justin Gorrie (Justin At Brent's Place). Justin's work on the Family Services team is heart-led. He acts as a true advocate and ally to our families and is a thoughtful and creative co-worker.

    Watch his short testimonial to learn what inspires his commitment to Brent's Place.

    Double your impact before the clock runs out on our campaign match!
    https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    Day 10

    "We are Protective. Our mission is in our name. We are going to tear down the barriers that block people from protecting their tomorrow so they can embrace today. This will change lives. This is our purpose. This will be our legacy."

    Like our partners at Protective Life, safety is a top priority at Brent's Place and has become even more paramount these days.

    A special thanks to Protective Life Insurance for honoring their values and walking hand-in-hand with Brent's Place through these challenging times. While the traditional sponsorship benefits could not be fulfilled due to the cancellation of our Brent's Place Block Party, the Protective Life gift is making a real impact in the lives of families living at Brent's Place. Thank you Protective Life!

    The clock is ticking on our matching campaign. Make a gift TODAY, big or small, and it will be DOUBLED! Donate $10 and The Leaffer Family will make it $20, $100 instantly becomes $200. We are stronger together!

    https://bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    As soon as you walk through the doors at Brent's Place, you are part of the family. One of our former residents and forever family members, Dawn Hawkins, ReUNITED with us to share memories from her daughter Mara's 2012 stay.

    Q. What was your favorite thing from your time at Brent's Place?

    A. The people. Staff and the other people who were with us. One unique thing about Brent’s Place is that everybody is going through the hardest time in their lives. The connections you make are on a deeper level. You can count on your neighbor at 2am if the pump’s not working and you don’t know what to do. You can knock on that door and ask an odd question in the middle of the night. It’s more of a family atmosphere than at the hospital where you can feel so isolated.

    Q. Share a fond memory of Brent's Place Block Party or Family Reunion.

    A. We went to the very first family reunion across the street at a school playground. Mara was still at Brent’s Place at the time. She had a water gun fight with Sean. We’ve been coming back ever since. We have a good group that shows up every year. We’re so glad to have a chance to reconnect with others and catch up on changes – both the good and the bad from one year to the next. This group understands how good the good is, and how frustrating the bad can be.

    Q. What one word comes to mind when you think of Brent's Place?

    A. [Responded very emotionally] Safe. It was our safe place when Mara was sick. We’d been in isolation for two years, and it was truly a safe place when we couldn’t go home. Home was not considered safe. Brent’s Place was safe.

    Providing a safe-clean home away from home is what we do. Families like Mara's is why we do it. Help us support more families in their time of need. https://bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    Day 11

    Over the course of the last two weeks, you've heard from a few of the great people that make Brent's Place unique. There's no denying that our Family Services team delivers the secret sauce that makes our care of families second to none.

    In today's video testimonial, Family Services Manager, Maggi Fitzpatrick, shares what inspires her work.

    Only two days remain for the ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign! Please help us unlock the campaign match before time runs out: https://bit.ly/reunitedbybp

    If you've already made a gift, THANK YOU! Please tell a friend why you support Brent's Place. We are stronger together!

    For every story that we’ve shared as part of the ReUNITED by Brent’s Place campaign, there are a hundred more that go untold. Last year alone, Brent’s Place sheltered and supported 293 families. These are more than stats. They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, and grandparents who enter our doors carrying the heavy load of a life-threatening diagnosis. When they exit, we hope we have eased some of their burdens and helped them create happy memories during their medical journeys.

    We’re singing “Reunited, and it feels so good,” with this next story!

    The Dunbar family of Albuquerque, New Mexico, found their way to the Brent’s Place Marion Street location in 2006. Will and Kelly split shifts between the care of their 4-year-old daughter, Casey, and being bedside with their 5-month-old son, Sam. While Sam was in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Presbyterian St. Luke’s, they recall their Brent’s Place apartment “quickly became our favorite location.”

    “Sam was finally diagnosed with a life-threatening immune deficiency called NEMO. We were told the only chance of long-term survival was a bone marrow transplant,” said Kelly.

    When the time finally came for Sam’s BMT, Brent’s Place was where the Dunbar family headed for comfort.

    “On Thanksgiving morning in 2007, our family headed north to Denver, so Sam could receive his life-saving cells. Our family was welcomed back to Brent’s Place. Once again, we were able to stay in our favorite location, the basement apartment. We had beautiful Christmas lights strung throughout. While the winter weather was making itself known outside, we were comfy and cozy inside. Our extended family was able to come and help us care for Sam and give us much needed time with Casey. We became good friends with many of the other families, eating together on Christmas Eve, exchanging gifts, and watching movies together,” Kelly recalled

    But it’s not just the low points that Brent’s Place supports in a family’s journey. The programs and resources available to families are designed to help in the healing process, build family resiliency, and create a sense of normalcy.

    “At Brent’s Place, Casey lost her first tooth, celebrated her birthday, learned to ride a bike, and met many wonderful friends. At Brent’s Place, Will celebrated his birthday, the Giants as Super Bowl champs, and celebrated our anniversary. At Brent’s Place, Sam was able to recover and heal from bone marrow transplant safely. At Brent’s Place, we came “home” to already-made lunches and dinners after long clinic visits and family dinner nights. At Brent’s Place, we met the most amazing staff and volunteers. At Brent’s Place, we were able to make wonderful memories and come “home" together as a family. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the Brent’s Place family! Will, Kelly, Casey, Sam, Christian, and Madeline Dunbar”

    Help ensure families like Sam's have a place to call home during their medical crisis and make happy memories as they heal.

    https://www.classy.org/campaign/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    BREAKING NEWS: from the ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign

    Loyal supporter and Board member, Joe Joe Chacko-Nair and her husband Balan Nair just pledged $10,000 to the campaign! On behalf of our families, past, current, and future, thank you so much for your heartfelt generosity. There is nothing more healing for our families – or our world – than extending your heart to others.

    We're inching closer to our goal, but need your help to cross the finish line by tomorrow! Give what you can. Share your Brent's Place story. Invite a friend to join our community. We are stronger together!

    https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    Day 12

    Did you hear the news?! Another one of our Board members, Terry Staples and his wife Suzanne came forward with a generous donation of $9,500! We can't thank them enough for entrusting us to carry out their heart's intentions. This gift will allow Brent's place to deliver comfort, kindness, and support to families as they seek treatment at our partner hospitals.

    We're now only $2,648 short of our goal. But, today is the last day that your

    donation can be matched by The Leaffer Family.

    Show our families the strength of togetherness. Give today! https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    Brent's Place uses the guiding principles of Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Quality of Life as our north star in our service to families. These values flow through every staff member and are certainly embodied by our fearless leader of 10 years, Sean Meyerhoffer.

    When asked what is at the heart of his passion for Brent's Place he said, "I love Brent's Place because we can shine light into the darkness when it is needed most."

    The ReUnited by Brent's Place campaign has shown that many small gestures of kindness can light the way for healing. We are stronger together!

    The Karen and Steve Leaffer Family matching donation is still active! Will you double your impact and help us raise the final $1,496 to reach our $40,000 campaign goal?

    Don't wait…the the campaign ends today!
    https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    For the safety of our community, we have had to limit direct contact at our facilities. The normalcy of connecting in the hallways or other common spaces has been replaced with smiling with our eyes from behind masks and waving with a gloved hand from down the hall.

    The distance we feel from within Brent's Place makes this next testimonial extra special. In the midst of preparing for his second bone marrow transplant, Atlee and his family invite you (virtually) into their Brent's Place apartment.

    Atlee, it's not just the nurses that love you. 🥰 Show your love for Brent's Place families:
    https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    Sharing the many faces and abundant love of our staff members continues as we near the end of the ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign.

    Next up, sharing their passion for Brent's Place are:

    Logistics Master and Special Events Coordinator, Alyssa Smith. ("I love Brent's Place because I'm surrounded by people that genuinely care for one another.")

    Task Titan and Accounting Manager, Marie Scherer. "(I love Brent's Place because our families are the #1 priority and we truly adhere to our values of Compassion, Integrity,

    Respect, Responsibility, and Quality of Life.")

    Resident Funny Man and House Operations Coordinator, Felix Saquimux. ("I love Brent's Place because it is a home away from home.")

    Renaissance Man and VP of Development, Patrick Hayes. ("I love Brent's Place because we are ONE family – together, compassionate, and hopeful!")

    Whatever your reason for loving Brent's Place, know that we love you right back!
    Just a few more hours to double your impact!
    https://www.classy.org/cam…/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    The ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign has allowed us to reflect on the many faces that make up the Brent's Place family, including our team members.

    Next up is Volunteer Coordinator, John Patterson. John works with nearly 700 dedicated volunteers to provide programming and meal support to our families. His quick wit makes him well-loved by volunteers and co-workers alike.

    Watch his short testimonial to learn what inspires his commitment to Brent's Place.

    https://www.classy.org/campaign/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    The ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign has allowed us to reflect on the many faces that make up the Brent's Place family, including our team members.

    Next up is Family Benefits and Billing Coordinator, Rachel Webb. Rachel is new to the Brent's Place team but is already making a big impact. Her kind heart and hard work have produced abundant rewards for our families and she's a welcomed ray of sunshine in the office!

    Watch Rachel's short testimonial to learn what inspires her passion for Brent's Place.

    https://www.classy.org/campaign/reunited-by-brents-place/c293586

    Over the course of the last two weeks, we have shone a spotlight on the many faces that make up our Brent's Place family. You have heard from staff, volunteers, corporate partners, and our families with stories of home, hope, and healing.

    Thanks to the generosity of our growing community, and our matching sponsor – The Karen and Steve Leaffer Family – we raised $41,111 during the ReUNITED by Brent's Place campaign. Such a fitting total because each and every "1" of you make our work possible!

    Beyond the tremendous gratitude that we feel for the donations received through this campaign, we are counting our blessing in the form of human connections. The funds raised will help to provide shelter, food security, and support services for families experiencing medical crises. The friendships fostered will power us forward through these uncertain times.

    On behalf of our staff, Board, and our families, THANK YOU!

  • This place is for one, and all.

    This place is for one, and all.

    The last three months of the public health crisis have put a significant strain on our organization’s ability to keep our resident families safe; they have created additional hardships for families already dealing with the most difficult time of their lives; they have pushed us all apart from each other physically and emotionally.

    All of this has required reflection, discomfort, and exhausted many in the Brent’s Place community. However, now we are challenged further to conduct self-examination and begin to address the pain and varied emotions felt by our staff, families, organization, and community concerning the systematic racism and inequality again brought to light by the senseless killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. The last several weeks remind us of how fragile and precious life is – and also how fragile, and precious community is. My staff and I share the grief, sorrow, and – yes – anger at the long-standing fractures across our country that contributed to the loss of the Black lives mentioned, and so many others before. Such heinous events, and the attitudes and systems that lead to them, have no place in our nation. No true community can hold space for hatred, fear, or indifference when a neighbor is suffering.

    The delay in distributing an extended statement in no way reflects our immediate focus on and attention to the situation happening in our country. Our team has taken time to reflect on our place in the discussion surrounding these tragic events, and we don’t wish to let the opportunity pass to use our voice and resources to call for and make change.

    I have found myself struggling to find the right way to express myself and represent our organization. I have come to realize that I am an eager voice in support of all those facing medical crises and the pain and hardship that comes with it. I have experienced that journey and the loss and suffering that comes with it. It is a space that I can fill with confidence and conviction. I now realize, however, that while my passion and commitment to justice and equality are equally strong, I am struggling to express myself because it has required that I admit my ignorance and naivete regarding race and social justice.

    Despite my struggles, our team and their commitment to participating in change have inspired me and pushed me to find my voice. While it will take time for me and for the organization to fully understand our role and the changes we can make internally and how to effect change externally, it is clear that the following must happen:

    I must take what is going on around us and direct my energy inward to question myself, my reality, and my actions.

    I must lead our team in using a new lens to ensure a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment for our staff, families, and volunteers. Take an objective look at our business operation practices and protocols to foster a culture that minimizes bias, and recognizes and addresses systematic inequities.

    We must embrace the voice we have as an organization and help the community we work in push to make equality and justice a reality for everyone.

    I must band together with other leaders and organizations to push those who lead our cities, states, and country to use this wave of pain, sorrow, and anger to make lasting change for citizens of every color and economic position.

    In the same spirit of community with which we embrace the families under our protection and care, today, we stretch out our arms to our extended family of Black mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. As Brent’s Place employees, and collectively as an organization working in the public’s trust, we rededicate these values to you:

    Compassion by understanding your hopes and fears while striving to make your journey better.

    Integrity by continually building relationships based on trust through honesty, sincerity, transparency, and accountability.

    ​

    Respect by treating you with courtesy, consideration, and sensitivity to your individual experiences and perspectives.

    ​

    Responsibility by fulfilling our organizational role in the community, as a good steward of your faith and trust to contribute to the changes needed to make your life better and safer.

    ​

    Quality of Life by creating a culture that values the fulfillment of your hopes and dreams, and those that you hold for your loved ones.

    At Brent’s Place, every day, we see the power of unity, resolve, solidarity, resilience, and love. And we stand with the Black community in calling for the broken institutions to be repaired and the toxic attitudes to be extinguished so that every family, every race, every religion, and every creed experiences safe harbor, peace, compassion and unity across every community.

    Warmly,

    Sean Meyerhoffer,

    Chief Executive Officer

    Brent's Place