Life has a unique way of reminding us of its fragility and the importance of second chances. For Jennifer, the journey to a second lease on life was experienced twice.

Eighteen years ago, Jennifer received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer - there is no stage 5. She embarked on a challenging journey that would test her physical and emotional strength. Jennifer underwent a mastectomy and endured the harsh side effects of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, one of the chemotherapy drugs would later contribute to further health complications.

A few years down the road, Jennifer's heart began to weaken, and she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition believed to be triggered by the chemo drugs she had taken. Despite adhering to a low-salt diet, taking her medications faithfully, and incorporating regular exercise, her heart's condition showed no signs of improvement. It was a relentless battle that seemed insurmountable.

In pursuit of a solution, Jennifer decided to change cardiologists, opting for a team of experts in Birmingham, Alabama, even though it meant traveling four hours away from her home. This decision would prove pivotal. Her new medical team promptly adjusted her medication, leading to a noticeable improvement in her health and well-being. There was a glimmer of hope on the horizon when they suggested the possibility of a pacemaker to further aid her heart.

However, despite feeling better, Jennifer's heart was still not on the path to recovery. Within a mere four months, her Birmingham cardiologists made the critical decision to refer her to UAB Medicine for a heart transplant evaluation.

On June 15th, Jennifer had her initial appointment at UAB Medicine, a day that would forever change her life. With incredible speed, she was placed on the heart transplant list. On July 13th, 2023, Jennifer received the ultimate gift – a new heart. It was a moment of immense gratitude. Coincidentally, the day she woke up with her new heart was also 18 years from the exact date of her breast cancer diagnosis.

Jennifer has recovered well with only a few hiccups. She is full of gratitude for the individuals who made her second and third chances at life possible. Her journey is a poignant reminder that life CAN surprise us with second (and third) chances. Even when the odds are stacked against us, with determination and the right support, we can find the strength to face adversity.

In the midst of life's challenges, the stories of Anita and Linda intertwine, forming a beautiful narrative of courage, friendship, and unwavering faith. Their journeys through breast cancer and their commitment to Red Mountain Grace have not only strengthened their bond but also touched the lives of others in profound ways.

Linda's story began in 2015 when a routine mammogram unveiled her breast cancer diagnosis. Ironically, she had postponed her annual exam by nine months, feeling guilty about the delay. Little did she know that this delay was providential, as it allowed her to discover the cancer early. With her faith and a stage 1 tumor confined to a small area, she was spared from chemotherapy and radiation. However, given her family history, Linda chose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy.

In the same year, Linda's husband faced a life-threatening accident while quail hunting. God spared both of their lives during that eventful year. Amidst these trials, Linda's biggest takeaway was that the Lord never wastes anything. She witnessed the support and community of the Body of Christ, which is the difference that sets Red Mountain Grace (RMG) apart from other hospitality housing in Birmingham.

“When my husband was flown to the trauma center at UAB to undergo surgery for his wounds, I had a 90-minute drive to the hospital from the place of the accident. By the time I arrived, the waiting room was filled with friends from church. They prayed with and for us and haven't stopped since! Life is fragile and unpredictable but the Lord provides our every need - even when we don't know what those needs are. For us, we have learned that life is a gift and the Lord is in every detail. He uses our stories to minister to others, but He also uses our stories to remind us daily of His faithfulness. He has shown us how to trust Him for things we wouldn't typically ask for.“

Anita's breast cancer story is unique. Diagnosed in 2021, her cancer was elusive, growing linearly and resembling regular breast tissue, making it challenging to spot even through a mammogram. Typically, such cancers are only discovered at stage 3, but Anita's was miraculously detected at stage 1, a gift she attributes to God's hands.

“I learned very quickly that there are lessons in the waiting. My breast cancer journey built trust when I was scared, it built courage when I was scared, and it deepened my walk with the Lord to a place I had never been before. And I never want to go back. It was truly, as they say, a gift in a black box.”

Anita and Linda met years ago, becoming fast friends, joined by the friendships of their daughters. Linda helped Anita navigate her breast cancer journey. Anita used many of Linda’s same doctors. Linda even accompanied Anita to many appointments, demonstrating the power of compassionate support during challenging times.

Years after their friendship was birthed and cancer diagnoses beat, they came to learn about a local nonprofit seeking to support families like theirs, with the added bonus of community.

Linda (far left) and Anita (far right) with an RMG family

Linda heard about Brad Booth and started following his health journey through CaringBridge. Through his family's journal entries, she learned about Red Mountain Grace. The vision and mission of RMG deeply resonated with Linda, and she knew she and Anita needed to get involved. Linda introduced Anita to a ministry that gripped her heart.

After meeting with Austin, RMG’s Executive Director, they decided to adopt an apartment together. The joy of serving the families staying in their apartment has brought them immeasurable fulfillment.

“Being able to meet the people in our apartment, take them dinners, and find out their needs is so rewarding. Recently, we went with our husbands to meet a family in our apartment. Their story was so touching, we all four left with tears after visiting them and praying with them. What inspires me is the stories behind the families. I have never met more gracious people. The need for more apartments is so great,” Anita shared.

Linda added, “Being an apartment adopter allows us to take God's resources that He has entrusted to us and give them back to a ministry that aligns so perfectly with who He is. I pray that as long as the Lord allows, we will be here to watch and help grow this amazing, and much-needed ministry, not only in Birmingham but wherever He leads."

Through their apartment adoption, Anita and Linda’s husbands have also developed a strong bond. Another invisible string - they share a last name. The Miles’ are often asked if they are related, to which they respond that they pretend to be sisters. Notably, two of Anita's children joined RMG's junior board, witnessing the impact of this ministry firsthand. The rewards of RMG's work inspired them and strengthened their connection to the cause.

Anita and Linda's shared commitment to RMG and their unwavering faith are not only a testament to their resilience but also a source of inspiration for others. Their friendship, rooted in a shared mission close to their hearts, has demonstrated the profound impact of supporting others in times of need. They are a shining example of the love, grace, and unity that can be fostered through adversity and the desire to give back to the community.

The recipients of this year’s Debbie Tidwell Service Award are beloved, long-time volunteers and supporters, Gail and Wally Mertz.

The couple was introduced to Red Mountain Grace by an early board member, Brad Booth.

“When he told us about his experience with needing housing during his medical treatment in Houston, we saw that this was a vital need right here in Birmingham. We believe that Red Mountain Grace fulfills God’s greatest commandment to love God and love others. Hospitality is welcoming guests and visitors, along with a genuine way to show love.”

Gail and Wally support Red Mountain Grace with their time and resources, rarely turning down an opportunity to serve our families. We have witnessed countless guests respond to Gail and Wally’s care, friendship, and love during the most painful and challenging time in their lives. They are always some of the first to volunteer to do whatever is needed to welcome, serve, and love our guests.

“Our faith has been encouraged by joining with other Christians to serve our Birmingham visitors. Often, our guests tell us how thankful they are for the gift of love through hospitality that RMG has shown.”

Whether cleaning apartments, serving meals, celebrating major milestones, or always offering to visit and pray with our guests, Gail and Wally embody our mission of gracious hospitality. Thank you for your selfless service to Red Mountain Grace.

Click here to watch us surprise Gail and Wally with the 2023 Debbie Tidwell Service Award.

On June 9th, Michael was admitted to UAB and told he would need a double lung transplant. This would require him and his wife, Michelle, to remain in Birmingham for at least three months after the surgery.

They were scared not knowing the outcome, timeline, or if they could even afford to stay here.

Hours away from their home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the couple had to completely put it in God’s hands and trust Him to see them through. With joy, Michelle shared that He showed up and showed out with an apartment within walking distance to UAB.

Michael received his new lungs and is doing great recovering at their RMG apartment.

"We would like to thank RMG and all the partners and staff that make it possible to help families. You all not only made it possible for us to stay for this lung transplant and recovery, but made us feel like family. We will forever be grateful!"

From brain tumor survivor to Eagle Scout, Sterling Davis has a lot to be proud of.

Just before his 5th birthday, doctors found a brain tumor. Over the next 2.5 years, Sterling would undergo 5 brain surgeries and 1 eye surgery. 

Before he even graduated elementary school, Sterling conquered a brain tumor. He then shifted his focus to Boy Scouts.

Sterling rose through the ranks, reaching the second to last rank, Life Scout. He had one final project to complete before his 18th birthday in order to conquer his next goal of reaching Eagle Scout status. He knew he wanted to do something unique. 

Sterling had recently learned about Red Mountain Grace through then board president, Callie Priest. He also participated in a service project with The Church at Brook Hills. Because of his personal medical journey, Sterling knew he wanted to go on to work in the medical field, but not as a doctor or nurse. He was intrigued by Red Mountain Grace's mission and unique connection to the medical field. 

“I love that Red Mountain Grace is a community that is selflessly inspired. It’s all about people. People matter to God, therefore they should matter to me. And that’s what I saw in Red Mountain Grace.”

Sterling reached out to Austin, RMG Executive Director, and they brainstormed an idea to honor our apartment adopters. Sterling worked to design and assemble plaques to hang in our apartments. Each plaque includes the name of the individual or organization who graciously provides the funding to cover rent for that particular apartment.

Sterling is the epitome of someone who has championed his talents and resources to support our mission of gracious hospitality. 

In October of last year, Sterling Davis completed his final project, reaching Eagle Scout rank. He did so while keeping our mission in the forefront of his mind. On April 30th, he was honored at a ceremony and officially awarded the status of Eagle Scout. 

A few weeks later, Sterling graduated from high school. He is spending his summer traveling all over  the United States serving as a camp counselor and rec leader for Generate Camps. In the fall, he will begin his freshman year at Samford University. 

Sterling Davis has a lot to be proud of. We are grateful he can now be a light to RMG guests facing similar circumstances. 

Dan received a single lung transplant at UAB on May 19, 2007. What he and his loving wife, Barbara, didn't expect was celebrating the 16th anniversary of his lung transplant at UAB.

After being diagnosed with chronic lung failure, Dan found himself admitted to UAB. During his hospitalization, there were several close calls with probabilities of him not surviving. Dan went from the lowest of lows being on a ventilator to breathing on his own.

"Many of the medical staff have expressed how surprised and amazed they are that he made it safely off the ventilator and is doing well. My amazement is in seeing the awesome work of God do what only He can do when such knowledge and ability surpass that of the most brilliant of mankind," Barbara shared.

Because of the generosity of our apartment adopters, Red Mountain Grace was able to provide Barbara with a fully-furnished apartment for 59 nights.

After spending over 2 months in the hospital, Dan was once again a walking miracle. He discharged from the hospital, Barbara checked out of her RMG apartment, and the couple headed home, together.

A few months before Dan was hospitalized, the couple celebrated their golden anniversary. They are grateful and relieved to be looking forward to celebrating 51 years on October 10th of this year. They are a precious couple, and we are so thankful for their miracle.