Category: Mission Moment

Sixteen-year-old Dariann was already in the fight of her life, undergoing in-patient treatment in Denver for an eating disorder. But then came another devastating blow: Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The cancer was aggressive and treatment had to start immediately. There was no time to process, no time to prepare—just the terrifying reality that Dariann was battling not one, but two life-threatening illnesses at the same time. 

For her mom, Melanie, the news was shattering. Dariann needed her and she was more than five hours away in the Western slope. Without hesitation, she jumped in the car and made the late-night drive to Denver, arriving with nothing but the clothes on her back. 

At first, they found a place to stay. But it had a shared kitchen—an environment that made Dariann’s eating disorder recovery even harder. She needed stability. She needed privacy. She needed a space where she could heal in both body and mind. 

That’s when they found Brent’s Place.

Here, they weren’t just given a place to stay—they were given a home. A fully furnished apartment meant Dariann had her own kitchen, her own space, and the freedom to navigate food in a way that supported her recovery. And beyond that, they found a community of people who understood the complexity of their journey. 

The battle hasn’t been easy. Over the past three years, Dariann’s fight with leukemia has been long and exhausting, filled with highs and lows. At times, it feels like the world has moved on while they remain in the trenches. 

But at Brent’s Place, they were never forgotten. 

“We were spoiled rotten at Christmas,” Melanie shared. It wasn’t about the gifts—it was about the kindness. When you’re far from home for years, people stop checking in. But at Brent’s Place, we were constantly reminded that we’re cared for. They do a really good job of pouring out love.”

Today, Dariann is currently facing a relapse, but she and her mom remain hopeful as she begins her next round of treatment. And no matter how long the fight lasts, Brent’s Place will be here—offering comfort, stability, and a home away from home for as long as they need.  

Support families like Dariann’s today.

Three-year-old Dane was a happy, energetic kid, until his parents noticed something alarming. He was catching more colds than usual, and they weren’t going away. At first, doctors couldn’t find anything wrong. But as his illness worsened, his parents’ worry deepened. 

Then came the devastating diagnosis: EBV-driven T-cell lymphoma complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)—a rare, life-threatening disease that causes the immune system to attack the body instead of protecting it. 

Since his condition is so rare, few physicians knew how to deal with it. But hope arrived in the form of a specialist in Denver—Dane’s best chance at survival. The catch? His family had to pack up their lives in Montana and move to Colorado immediately, without knowing when they could return home. 

Suddenly, Dane’s parents weren’t just navigating his terrifying illness. They had to figure out where to live, how to afford it, and how to keep their family together in an unfamiliar city. That’s when they found Brent’s Place.

Here, they didn’t just find a place to stay; they found a home. A fully furnished apartment gave them space to be together, no matter how long Dane’s treatment lasted. No leases, no deadlines, no added stress—just a safe, stable place to heal. 

For Dane’s mom, Emmylou, the little things made all the difference. A home-cooked meal delivered to their door after exhausting days at the hospital. A caring team always ready to lend a hand. A compassionate community that understood exactly what they were going through. 

“I love that I can message their team and get help when I need it. They’re so understanding and flexible. Whatever you need, they’re there,” she shared.

And even in the midst of hardship, there was joy. 

That Christmas at Brent’s Place, Dane built gingerbread houses, laughed through holiday activities, and—his favorite part—met Santa Claus. He didn’t stop talking about it for months. 

When asked what he loved most about Brent’s Place, Dane’s answer was simple: “It’s huge! That’s the best part about it.” 

Dane is feeling stronger each day, and his family hopes to return home soon. Until then, Brent’s Place remains their home away from home—because no family should have to face a medical crisis alone.

Support families like Dane’s today.

When nine-year-old Emma started bruising easily, her parents brushed it off as part of being a busy, active child. But something in their gut told them to check with her pediatrician to be safe. 

Routine blood work quickly turned into a medical emergency. Emma’s platelet levels were alarmingly low, and her parents were told to rush her to the emergency room. There, they received the devastating diagnosis—aplastic anemia—which is a rare, life-threatening disorder that causes bone marrow failure. Her only hope for survival was a bone marrow transplant.

Desperate to find the best care for their daughter, Emma’s parents spent months searching for a hospital that could help. As her condition worsened, they finally connected with Children’s Hospital Colorado. There was no time to waste. They packed up their lives in Iowa and left—without a plan, without a home, only knowing they had to fight for Emma. 

Amid the whirlwind of medical procedures and fear of the unknown, they needed a place where their family could stay together, a place where they could rest and recover. 

That’s when they found Brent’s Place. 

Instead of squeezing into a cramped hotel room, they walked into a fully furnished apartment, complete with a private kitchen, bathroom, and even a balcony. A space big enough for their whole family to be together, to breathe, to find a sense of normalcy in the chaos. 

“We walked in the door and it was just like a breath of fresh air,” Emma’s mom, Natalie, shared. “It wasn’t our home in Iowa, but it still felt like home. We were so thankful. It wasn’t what we expected—it was way better.”

At Brent’s Place, life didn’t stop. 

Despite the hospital visits, the treatments, and the uncertainty, they could cook family meals, do laundry and watch movies together—simple things like that meant everything.

For the kids, Brent’s Place was even more than a safe home. It was a place of joy. Holiday parties, art classes, and community activities gave them moments of laughter and fun, even in the hardest times. 

“Brent’s Place goes above and beyond—not just lifting the burdens of the parents, but making sure the children are happy. They make sure the kids can act like kids, even though they’re going through something so difficult,” Natalie said.

Now, Emma’s family is hopeful that she’ll be able to go home in just a few weeks. No matter where her fight takes her, Brent’s Place will always be here—a home when they need it most. 

“I just can’t say it enough: Brent’s Place has been such a huge blessing to our family. It was an answer to our prayers. A place to call home when we’re away from home,” Natalie shared.

Support families like Emma’s today.

When Emilio was just a year and a half old, his parents noticed something wasn’t right. Normally a playful, energetic child, he had become withdrawn—losing interest in school, and bruising too easily. Concerned, they took him to the pediatrician, fearing anemia as the worse-case scenario.

Then the test results came back: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Emilio needed to be hospitalized immediately. 

What followed was a grueling year of chemotherapy, a battle that tested Emilio and his family in every way. But thanks to his treatment, he quickly went into remission. 

Then, on the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis, the unthinkable happened: Emilio relapsed. This time, he needed a bone marrow transplant, a life-saving procedure that required the family to leave their home in New Mexico and relocate to Colorado.

Fortunately, they found Brent’s Place. 

Amid the fear and uncertainty of moving to a new place, Emilio’s family found something they didn’t expect: comfort, stability, and a community that understood. 

From the moment they arrived at Brent’s Place, they were welcomed with open arms, by both the staff and other families facing similar journeys. Stepping into a fully furnished, well-stocked apartment, they could finally exhale. Here, they didn’t have to worry about where they would stay or how they would afford it. Instead, they could focus entirely on caring for Emilio.

For Emilio and his older brother, Ezekiel, their new home was special. They lovingly called it their “big house” and told everyone back home how much they loved being there.

With Emilio in the hospital for the first few months of their stay, his parents were especially grateful to have hot meals delivered to them, removing one more burden from their shoulders 

But their time at Brent’s Place was about more than just accommodations. It was about the connections, the moments of joy and comfort of knowing they weren’t alone.

“One day, when it snowed, we saw a family outside building a snowman,” Emilio’s mom, Victoria, shared. “We bundled up, went outside, and helped them build it. It was so fun to spend time with another family who understood what we were going through. We weren’t alone. That meant the world to us.”

After more than six months at Brent’s Place, Emilio and his family were finally able to return home. While his fight isn’t over just yet, his parents remain hopeful and grateful for the support that carried them through their hardest days. 

Thanks to the support of our community, Brent’s Place can be there for families like Emilio’s, offering not just a place to stay, but a place to heal. Everyone deserves a safe, welcoming home during their toughest battles. Together, we can make that possible. 

Support families like Emilio’s today.

Hayley was living her dream as a basketball player at Western Colorado University when her life took an unexpected turn. She began feeling deeply fatigued, nauseated, and, alarmingly, sometimes lost her vision during practice. After four harrowing days in the emergency room, she received the diagnosis that would change everything: acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

For a young athlete with big dreams, the news was devastating. Hayley was now facing months of grueling chemotherapy, followed by a bone marrow transplant—the fight of her life.

Her treatment journey took her from her home in New Mexico to a clinical trial in Houston and, ultimately, to Denver for her transplant. Far from home and their support network, Hayley and her mother, Alisha, leaned on each other as they faced one of the hardest challenges of their lives. 

That’s when they found Brent’s Place.

From the moment they arrived, Brent’s Place offered Hayley more than just a roof over their heads; it provided them with a sanctuary. Their spacious apartment gave them room to rest, heal, and regroup. Easy access to fresh meals and Grab and Go snacks meant one less thing to worry about as they navigated hospital visits and recovery. 

But it wasn’t just the physical comforts that made a difference. Brent’s Place offered moments of joy and connection when Hayley and Alisha needed them most. Tickets to local attractions provided welcome distraction, lifting their spirits on even the hardest days. 

For Alisha, the Brent’s Place team became an essential source of strength.  

“Being in a city that isn’t ours, it was amazing to have so much support from the staff,” Alisha shared. “There were times when it was extremely hard to watch Hayley struggle. That’s when the staff would check in or tell me it would be okay. Everyone was there for us.”

Now, over a year after her transplant, Hayley is cancer-free. She has traded her basketball jersey for a chef’s apron, pursuing her dreams as a culinary student. Inspired by her journey, she is also dedicated to supporting others with cancer, determined to give back the kind of hope and care she received.

Brent’s Place is proud to have been part of Hayley’s story. Her courage and determination inspire us to continue providing a safe, welcoming space for families facing medical crises. 

Your generosity can ensure more families like Hayley’s have the support they need when they need it most.

Support families like Hayley’s today.

When Richard found himself short of breath while chasing his three-year-old grandson up a hill, he knew something was wrong. As a current animal control officer and code enforcer, Richard was always active and in good health. His family assumed his sudden breathlessness was due to a flu or minor illness. Still, to be safe, he went to his doctor, who referred him to a lung specialist. 

That referral may have saved his life. As his oxygen levels plummeted, Richard received a shocking diagnosis: hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID.

His only chance for survival was a double lung transplant. 

For the next eight months, Richard underwent intensive pulmonary rehabilitation while continuing to work, determined to prepare his body for the life-saving procedure. His resilience paid off—after just three weeks on the transplant list, he got the call: a donor match had been found in Denver.

Richard and his wife, Rhonda, packed their belongings and made the long journey from their small town of Trinidad to Denver. It was a leap of faith into the unknown, filled with equal parts anxiety and hope.

While Richard faced the daunting challenge of a double lung transplant, Rhonda found herself navigating an unfamiliar city alone. That’s when Brent’s Place stepped in. 

At Brent’s Place, Rhonda discovered more than just a safe and comfortable apartment. She found a community that understood her fears, her exhaustion, and her need for support. From the moment she arrived, the team at Brent’s Place worked to make her feel at home, helping her adjust to her life far from everything familiar. 

When Richard recovered enough to join Rhonda at their Brent’s Place apartment, he was greeted with a heartwarming surprise. The team had thoughtfully decorated their space with photos of things he loved: his hometown, horses, and his beloved Denver Broncos.

“Richard couldn’t believe it,” Rhonda recalled. “He was so overwhelmed by everything they did for us. To me, it was such a blessing, because it made him feel like Brent’s Place was our home away from home.”

Recovery hasn’t been easy, but Richard and Rhonda are facing the ups and downs together, bolstered by the care and comfort Brent’s Place provides. Rhonda is optimistic that soon they’ll soon return to Trinidad, ready to embrace their new chapter. 

Thanks to the generosity of our community, families like Richard and Rhonda have a safe, welcoming place to rest, heal, and find hope during their most challenging times. 

This holiday season, help us continue to provide this vital support to families in need. Together, we can offer them the greatest gift: hope, healing, and the best chance for survival. 

Support families like Richard’s today.

At 20 weeks pregnant, Kelsey received news no parent ever wants to hear: her daughter, Elleigh, had a serious heart defect. Further testing confirmed a diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a life-threatening condition that prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively. 

Kelsey and her husband braced themselves for a long road ahead. After Elleigh’s birth, they had to travel seven hours from their Kansas home to Colorado, where she would undergo specialized care. Initially, they thought they’d be able to return home between surgeries. But their hopes were quickly dashed when Elleigh faced severe complications, undergoing three open-heart surgeries in just eight days. It became clear they wouldn’t be going home anytime soon. 

That’s when they found Brent’s Place. 

From the moment they arrived, Kelsey and her family were met with warmth and compassion. Brent’s Place provided more than just a comfortable room; it became a sanctuary where they could focus on Elleigh’s care without worrying about the financial and emotional strain of being far from home. There was ample space for their older daughter, Layla, as well as for the grandparents and family members who came to support them. 

For Layla, Brent’s Place truly lived up to its promise. “It’s a home away from home,” she said, a sentiment her mom wholeheartedly echoed.

“You feel like you can breathe when you get to Brent’s Place,” Kelsey shared. “It’s so comforting to walk through the doors, see smiling faces, and know that everyone here understands what you’re going through.”

While Elleigh’s journey is far from over, her family remains hopeful. They know that whatever challenges lie ahead, Brent’s Place will always be there, ready to offer a safe and welcoming home whenever they need it.

This holiday season, give the gift of home, hope and healing. Support families like Elleigh’s by contributing to our Hope Lives Here campaign today. Together, we can ensure that no family faces their medical journey alone.

Give now and double your impact.

It all started with what should have been a peaceful camping trip. But Seth woke up in excruciating pain, with no clue that his life was about to change. Over the next six weeks, he visited multiple doctors, each giving him a clean bill of health. Yet the pain lingered, along with a deep sense that something was terribly wrong. 

After more tests, they discovered abnormal liver enzymes and platelets, but even then, Seth was told to wait a few more weeks for follow-up. However, when his gums began to bleed—an alarming sign for anyone, but especially for Seth and his wife, both of whom work in dentistry—they knew they couldn’t wait any longer. 

Their worst fears were confirmed. The diagnosis: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

As Seth began the fight for his life, facing bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and the uncertainty of long-term treatment, he and his wife were also preparing for another life-changing event—welcoming their first child. His wife was 30 weeks pregnant. 

Amid the whirlwind of fear and uncertainty, they found a lifeline: Brent’s Place.

At Brent’s Place, Seth and his family discovered not just a roof over their heads, but a community that truly cared. The apartment was big enough for Seth, his wife, and their baby. Most importantly, they were close to the hospital, easing the burden of daily treatments and appointments. 

“On my good days, we’d walk to the hospital. That was really nice,” Seth shared.

There were moments of joy, too, even during the toughest times. One highlight of their stay at Brent’s Place was taking their newborn daughter to her first movie. Together with other Brent’s Place families, they watched Wish at the theater, a rare moment of normalcy and happiness in an otherwise challenging journey.

Despite a successful first round of treatment, Seth’s battle wasn’t over. He relapsed and had to return to the hospital, and his family once again found refuge at Brent’s Place. Over the course of six months between his two stays, they leaned on the sense of community that Brent’s Place fosters. 

“The sense of community is huge,” Seth reflected. “During my second stay, I met someone who had just gotten a transplant. I could tell him what it was like and reassure him that it would all be okay. It’s incredible to meet people going through the same thing and know you’re not alone.” 

Today, a year into his recovery, Seth is growing stronger with each passing day. Determined to give back to the place that supported him, he signed up for the Roadless Ride to raise funds for Brent’s Place. Though this was sidelined by a cold, he proudly wears his Roadless Ride jersey on his regular bike rides as a symbol of hope and resilience.

Brent’s Place is honored to have been a source of comfort for Seth and his family. Every family deserves a safe, welcoming home during their most challenging times. And with the generosity of our community, we can continue to make that possible.

Support families like Seth’s today.

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.