At 20 weeks pregnant, Kelsey received news no parent ever wants to hear: her daughter, Elleigh, had a serious heart defect. Further testing confirmed a diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a life-threatening condition that prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively.
Kelsey and her husband braced themselves for a long road ahead. After Elleigh’s birth, they had to travel seven hours from their Kansas home to Colorado, where she would undergo specialized care. Initially, they thought they’d be able to return home between surgeries. But their hopes were quickly dashed when Elleigh faced severe complications, undergoing three open-heart surgeries in just eight days. It became clear they wouldn’t be going home anytime soon.
That’s when they found Brent’s Place.
From the moment they arrived, Kelsey and her family were met with warmth and compassion. Brent’s Place provided more than just a comfortable room; it became a sanctuary where they could focus on Elleigh’s care without worrying about the financial and emotional strain of being far from home. There was ample space for their older daughter, Layla, as well as for the grandparents and family members who came to support them.
For Layla, Brent’s Place truly lived up to its promise. “It’s a home away from home,” she said, a sentiment her mom wholeheartedly echoed.
“You feel like you can breathe when you get to Brent’s Place,” Kelsey shared. “It’s so comforting to walk through the doors, see smiling faces, and know that everyone here understands what you’re going through.”
While Elleigh’s journey is far from over, her family remains hopeful. They know that whatever challenges lie ahead, Brent’s Place will always be there, ready to offer a safe and welcoming home whenever they need it.
This holiday season, give the gift of home, hope and healing. Support families like Elleigh’s by contributing to our Hope Lives Here campaign today. Together, we can ensure that no family faces their medical journey alone.
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