06/11/2026
Today, we are honored to introduce you to Brooks. He was an adventurous, brave, and gentle two-and-a-half-year-old who lives forever in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Brooks was all boy. He loved Spiderman, tractors, and being outside with his family. But what made Brooks truly remarkable was the tenderness that lived right alongside his curiosity and spirit of adventure. He wanted to be in the middle of everything, helping cook, feeding the animals, or calming his baby brother when he was upset. At just two years old, he showed up for the people he loved in ways that left a lasting mark. His mom shares that he taught others how to truly love someone, and showed many people what real strength and courage look like. There was never a bad day when Brooks was with you.
Brooks' diagnosis journey began just days before his second birthday. After a few days of what looked like a typical illness that wasn't improving (coughing, runny nose, and a fever), his doctor ordered X-rays and bloodwork, which revealed anemia, and further imaging shocked everyone when it showed a tumor on his lung. He was diagnosed with Soft-Tissue Sarcoma with NTRK mutation and had surgery to remove the tumor along with part of his lung. Brooks briefly entered remission, but the family was devastated when he began showing cognitive symptoms two months later, and they received the news that his cancer had returned and was in his brain, with no curative options.
Initially, Brooks has been treated with a targeted oral therapy (a medication he took twice a day at home, with no hospitalizations and few side effects). He got to remain his happy, adventurous self throughout that treatment. Sadly, when the cancer returned to his brain, his condition changed quickly. He remained asleep in the hospital for a couple of months, and then he passed away in October of 2025.
When asked why pediatric cancer funding matters, Brooks' mom shared: "It matters to me because children deserve better and they deserve more options. I don't think some people really know how much it matters and how important it is until they actually have to live it. To be told that there are no more treatment options left for your child is such a terrible feeling and makes you feel so helpless as a parent. I know with the condition Brooks was in, other treatment wouldn't have changed the outcome. But you always wonder 'what if.'"
Brooks changed the hearts of a lot of people in the best way. He gave so much love, and he made everyone around him want to be better. His family continues to honor him through their creation of the Brave Like Brooks Foundation.
We will never stop fighting for kids like Brooks to have better treatment options.
