Mission Moment | Walker’s Home of Healing

For many families facing the uncertainty of a life-threatening diagnosis, the waiting game can be a source of anxiety and frustration. For four-year-old Walker and his parents, Kristen and Doug, the wait for Walker’s heart transplant uprooted them from their home, jobs, family, and friends for over a year. During that time, the family found a supportive community at Brent’s Place, one offering fun activities, meal support, financial security, and much more.

“We knew Brent’s Place would be our home for a while,” Kristen said. “It’s a special place to us. We’re with families that are going through the same thing, and we’re all going through it together. It’s more than an apartment. It’s friendship.”

After 372 days at Brent’s Place, Walker’s health had improved enough for the family to return home to New Mexico. But less than two months later, a surprise call came on Mother’s Day: the wait was over. Walker’s heart was ready.

Navigating the sobering knowledge that their joy was another family’s sorrow, the trio headed back to Aurora. Since Walker’s successful transplant, the family has returned once more to Brent’s Place where they can rest easy, knowing the stay won’t affect their finances. That same compassionate community that welcomed them in early 2021 is there, ready and willing, to provide the support they'll need as Walker heals. Their family is looking forward to heading home together soon, healed and hopeful.