Category: Mission Moment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Support patients like Andrea today. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.