When he was born, Darrick was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a progressive condition that causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult over time. As he grew older, his health declined. He depended heavily on supplemental oxygen and was frequently hospitalized for serious respiratory infections.
Eventually, Darrick was told he would need a lung transplant in Denver—hours from his home in New Mexico. But his condition had deteriorated so severely that his doctors initially worried he might not survive long enough to undergo the procedure.
“They told me I’d have to fight for my life,” Darrick shared.
After a difficult stretch in the hospital, he was finally cleared for transplant. Within days, matching donor lungs became available, marking the beginning of an intense and complex surgery, followed by months of demanding recovery.
Exhausted and overwhelmed, Darrick and his partner, Alena, needed a safe, stable place to stay navigating the uncertainty of transplant care far from home.
Fortunately, that’s when they found Brent’s Place.
Brent’s Place became their home base during an incredibly fragile time. Its close proximity to the hospital allowed Alena to remain by Darrick’s side while still stepping away when needed—for meals, rest, showers, or brief moments of respite. The balance proved essential during long days at the hospital.
“For me, I loved the safety and security of being so close to the hospital. I knew that whatever happened, I was right across the street,” Alena shared.
Equally important was the support she found beyond the hospital walls. On especially difficult days, she could turn to Brent’s Place staff for comfort, conversation, or simply a steady presence.
“There’s a lot to carry when you’re on a medical journey, and it means the world to not carry it alone. At Brent’s Place, I always had a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, whatever I needed. It was so special,” she said.
Darrick and Alena also found moments of connection and normalcy with other families facing similar challenges. They joined community gatherings, including a potluck with other families from New Mexico, where Darrick shared his passion for pottery and connected with others in a setting that felt unexpectedly joyful amid uncertainty. Craft nights, group meals, and informal get-togethers became meaningful touchpoints throughout his recovery.
“I didn’t want to go home because I got so spoiled living at Brent’s Place,” Darrick shared.
Today, Darrick is continuing his recovery at home and says he’s feeling better than he has in years. Though their time in Denver has ended for now, the support, dignity, and community they experienced at Brent’s Place remain an important part of their journey.
And when they return for follow-up care, Brent’s Place will be ready to welcome them back. No matter what the future holds, it remains a safe place they can call home.
Support families like Darrick’s today.
