For 99 nights, Red Mountain Grace was honored to provide a home away from home for the Roberson family. Their journey, stretching across multiple holidays, is a story of amazing triumph.

Jason, a loving husband and father, underwent a life-changing lung transplant due to Interstitial lung disease (ILD) exacerbated by COVID. His recovery has been inconceivable, with no setbacks and leaving Birmingham with a remarkable 60% lung function. From struggling to walk to the mailbox to now jogging and playing with his children, Jason's transformation is nothing short of miraculous.

“I am a walking testimony. Red Mountain Grace’s apartment and support gave me a piece of mind. I didn’t have to worry about my family and where they would live. It's a blessing. I can walk on my own. I just jogged for the first time in 3 years. My 8-year-old son, Camron, cried. I couldn't have made it without Red Mountain Grace, the apartment, the nurses, the doctors.”

Lakeshia, his devoted wife, shares their journey with grace and gratitude. She recalls the day-after-surgery, when Jason’s surgeon challenged him to walk 1,000 feet - no transplant patient of his had ever walked 1,000 feet the day after surgery. Jason gave him 1,252 feet. Their donor, a courageous young woman, gifted Jason with renewed vitality, allowing him to embrace life's joys once again.

“I had anxiety after the transplant. The doctors didn't want to release me to a hotel, but once they heard we had a Red Mountain Grace apartment, I was released. When I finally got to the apartment, that anxiety lifted, and I started to feel normal again. Now as I wrap my mind around how I got back on track, got my confidence back, I know that God has bigger plans for me. It was a process. I needed my support system, and Red Mountain Grace was a big part of it.”

Lakeshia emphasizes the seamless support they received, from swift accommodation arrangements to the proximity to medical care—a true blessing during their time of need. Their youngest son, Camron, was able to stay with them, crucial for a 2nd grader, and their other two daughters were able to visit and stay over the holidays.

“No matter how much you prepare, we really can’t prepare. Regardless of everything we’ve been through, the apartment has given us a piece of mind.”

This time was undeniably challenging for Camron, yet his unwavering commitment to supporting his parents propelled him forward. Despite the hurdles, the sanctuary of their apartment provided him with the means to keep up with school online. Sacrificing his cherished football Super Bowl moment was a testament to his selflessness. His teammates rose to the occasion, clinching victory, and gifting him a coveted Super Bowl ring in return. Amidst the trials of virtual learning, Camron's dedication shone through, earning a well-deserved spot on the honor roll — a remarkable achievement in the midst of his months of remote schooling.

As they return home, the Robersons cherish the simple pleasures. From family bike rides to planning their postponed vow renewal in Hawaii, each day is a testament to their unwavering faith and resilience. They are looking forward to taking more trips as a family, trips where Jason won’t be accompanied by an oxygen tank.

“Before my transplant, I would see other people at the park with their children, throwing footballs. It made me depressed that I couldn’t go out and play with my son. It made me ashamed. Being able to taste that now and play with him, it’s amazing. The procedure was rough, but if this is the outcome, I would go through it again to be able to move on my own and be a part of my children’s and family’s life.”

We celebrate the Robersons' journey—a reminder that with love, support, and determination, anything is possible.