Seven-month-old Kyla had become unusually lethargic and wasn’t eating well. Concerned, her parents, Kendra and Terrel, took her to the pediatrician to be safe.
What followed was a whirlwind. They were urged to get her to Children’s Hospital Colorado immediately. After further bloodwork, Kendra and Terrel heard the word no parent is ever prepared for: Cancer. One month later, the news grew even more devastating—Kyla’s cancer was so rare it didn’t yet have a name. Only three children had ever been diagnosed with it, and none had survived.
Kyla began treatment commonly used for high-risk neuroblastoma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The intensity of her care required the family to relocate indefinitely from their home in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Denver. Heartbroken and fearful, Kendra and Terrel remained steadfast in doing everything possible for their daughter.
That’s when they discovered Brent’s Place, thanks to our Wyoming partner, Jason’s Friends.
Here, they found not just housing, but a compassionate community of families facing similar challenges. For Kendra, the nourishing, homemade meals were a lifeline—and she especially appreciated the activities available for their older daughter, Kora.
“It was great for Kora to have the chance to be a kid and not be stuck in the hospital all day,” Kendra shared. “She loved the splash pad and activities like the Easter celebration.”
One of Kendra’s favorite memories was watching both her daughters laugh and play at Brent’s Place’s Backyard Bash, a summer celebration filled with sports challenges, crafts, and games. With Kyla’s diagnosis, every moment of joy felt especially precious.
Today, Kyla is walking and talking, and eating again. She and Kora are closer than ever.
“It’s just finally good to see her be able to be the kid that she was meant to be,” Kendra said.
Although the family no longer lives at Brent’s Place, they continue to stay in our hospitality suites for follow-up visits. No matter what the future holds, Brent’s Place will always be their home away from home.
Support families like Kyla’s today.
