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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 with 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.