Mission Moment | Richard's Story

When Richard found himself short of breath while chasing his three-year-old grandson up a hill, he knew something was wrong. As a current animal control officer and code enforcer, Richard was always active and in good health. His family assumed his sudden breathlessness was due to a flu or minor illness. Still, to be safe, he went to his doctor, who referred him to a lung specialist. 

That referral may have saved his life. As his oxygen levels plummeted, Richard received a shocking diagnosis: hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID.

His only chance for survival was a double lung transplant. 

For the next eight months, Richard underwent intensive pulmonary rehabilitation while continuing to work, determined to prepare his body for the life-saving procedure. His resilience paid off—after just three weeks on the transplant list, he got the call: a donor match had been found in Denver.

Richard and his wife, Rhonda, packed their belongings and made the long journey from their small town of Trinidad to Denver. It was a leap of faith into the unknown, filled with equal parts anxiety and hope.

While Richard faced the daunting challenge of a double lung transplant, Rhonda found herself navigating an unfamiliar city alone. That’s when Brent’s Place stepped in. 

At Brent’s Place, Rhonda discovered more than just a safe and comfortable apartment. She found a community that understood her fears, her exhaustion, and her need for support. From the moment she arrived, the team at Brent’s Place worked to make her feel at home, helping her adjust to her life far from everything familiar. 

When Richard recovered enough to join Rhonda at their Brent’s Place apartment, he was greeted with a heartwarming surprise. The team had thoughtfully decorated their space with photos of things he loved: his hometown, horses, and his beloved Denver Broncos.

“Richard couldn't believe it,” Rhonda recalled. “He was so overwhelmed by everything they did for us. To me, it was such a blessing, because it made him feel like Brent's Place was our home away from home.”

Recovery hasn’t been easy, but Richard and Rhonda are facing the ups and downs together, bolstered by the care and comfort Brent’s Place provides. Rhonda is optimistic that soon they’ll soon return to Trinidad, ready to embrace their new chapter. 

Thanks to the generosity of our community, families like Richard and Rhonda have a safe, welcoming place to rest, heal, and find hope during their most challenging times. 

This holiday season, help us continue to provide this vital support to families in need. Together, we can offer them the greatest gift: hope, healing, and the best chance for survival. 

Support families like Richard’s today.