A Letter from Donn | Help Us Provide a Sanctuary for Families in Need

In 1988, my family faced an unimaginable tragedy: we lost our son Brent to cancer. At just thirteen, he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Despite our hope for his recovery, Brent passed away, leaving our family heartbroken and lost. Amid profound grief, a Big Idea surfaced: to provide housing for families just like ours who traveled far from home seeking a medical miracle—a safe place for them to be a family while caring for a child receiving cancer treatment.

That dream became Brent’s Place. Since 1998, we have welcomed over 2,000 families to a place where they can focus on healing, surrounded by care and compassion, without worrying about the financial burdens of housing, food, or necessities.  

But cancer doesn’t stop. Every three minutes, a parent in the U.S. hears the devastating words, “Your child has cancer.” And while treatments have advanced, 1 in 7 children diagnosed with cancer will not survive beyond five years. 

Our vision is clear: We believe EVERY family facing a life-threatening illness should have access to the care they need. Through Brent’s Place, we can help to make that possible.

In honor of my 80th birthday and to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I will match every donation up to $80,000. Every dollar you give will go twice as far to provide a safe home for families experiencing a life-threatening illness. Families need Brent's Place, and you can help us grow to serve more.

Please join us in this mission. Your support today will directly impact families facing the most terrifying battle of their lives. Together, we can offer them the greatest gift: hope, healing, and the best chance for survival. 

Donate today and make double the impact. Let’s not turn any family away!

With hope,

Donn Eley

Founder and Emeritus Board Member

Brent's Place