When Kenneth and Diane moved from a hotel into a Red Mountain Grace apartment, the first thing he wanted to do was cook. From gingerbread men to buttermilk pie, Kenneth loves to bake for his family. After learning that he had issues with his lungs two months ago, he called on one of his closest relatives and cousins, Diane. They’d always known each other but became particularly close after Diane’s husband passed away in 2005. Kenneth was there for her when she received a transplant in 2009, and now Diane can be there for him as he receives radiation treatments. 

A Vietnam veteran, Kenneth is no stranger to hard work. He spent years doing building restoration and remodeling until he retired. He and Diane got close once he moved back from California to Alabama, and they enjoy spending time with their families here. When Diane realized she would have to get a transplant, she knew she might not survive, and her faith grew as she needed strength. She is thankful to have been given a second chance at life. 

What have they learned about Birmingham? One way streets have been challenging, but they much prefer the apartment to staying in a hotel, especially as Kenneth likes to cook. Kenneth and Diane have remained strong throughout this challenging time. “Do what the doctors tell you. Stay busy. Read a lot. You can try to change it, but it’s something you gotta live with,” according to Kenneth. 

These apartments are made possible by our incredible apartment adopters. This year, we have served 109 families so far, but that only meets a portion of the need. Your support gives us the ability to continue adding apartments until the full need is consistently met. We need partners like you to help us cover rent and utilities so our guests have a safe and comfortable apartment to come back to after a challenging day at the hospital. We will assign you to a specific apartment that you can call your own!  Each month we will send you an email update on past month happenings, current guest needs, and opportunities to serve.  We encourage you to pray for the patients, their caregivers, and families that will stay in your apartment. Reach out to our Executive Director Austin Hardison at austin.hardison@redmountaingrace.com for more information.