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.
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