Brooke Testimonials

Brooke was my friend and roommate in my last year in Philadelphia. I can still recall the sound of her laugh. Her amazing spirit and our late night talks will stay with me always. She encouraged me to join Ride for World Health and allowed me the courage to accomplish things I at first thought were beyond my reach. I will miss you dearly, Brooke. My prayers are with her family and friends.
- Catherine Rha

What I remember most about Brooke:  Her gentle, determined spirit.  Her silliness.  Her smile.  The world is a little darker now that she's gone.
- Mary Placek

One of my most favorite memories of Brooke was her complete determination on our bike ride.
Brooke wasn't the fastest or most experienced rider, but she was once of the most dedicated.
No matter the heat, the wind, or the snow, Brooke would keep pedaling. Many of us would have finished the day's trip or packed up in the van, however, Brooke stayed on her bike and pushed on pedal by pedal. She was an inspiration to us all in that she didn't just talk about her dreams of international endeavors and serving the underserved, but she lived it. Although her passing is a tragedy to us all, I'm glad to know that Brooke left the world doing what she loved and making it a better place.
- Courtney Nall

I only had the pleasure of meeting Brooke once, at the very end of the 2007 Ride for World Health after the team arrived in Washington, DC.  Brooke, my son and another rider had an education program to deliver to a DC high school, and I joined them for this adventure, followed by lunch together at one of my old DC bicycling hangouts.  From my brief encounter with Brooke, I could tell that she was a person with a heart too large to be contained in her tiny body, and a singular focus that could not be swayed… pursuit of a lifetime in public health.  While achieving her dream to attend medical school, her personal outreach took her many places, and then to Africa, where she was doing what she loved most.  This, I think, brings some peace to the loss of her little light that shined so brightly out into the universe.  In this world, she did good, and she made things better.  What else need be said about a life?
- Robert Connelly, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I met Brooke during my time as part of the 2007 Ride for World Health leadership team.  From the first moments that I met her I was blown away.  Her passion for health care, steadfast commitment to social justice, and clarity about her role working for global change was immensely inspiring.  She was a supportive mentor to me, encouraging my public health goals.  Throughout the years this relationship continued as we exchanged motivational e-mails, and most recently she sent a beautiful group message about her time in Africa.  Brooke never abandoned her vision and faced challenges with steadfast determination.  There are few that live their lives like her--  fully involved, humbly pursuing a better world, and because of this she touched countless people.  I am thankful to have been one of them.  It is comforting to know that she was doing exactly what she loved and was meant to do.  Brooke will only continue to inspire.
- Laurel McCloskey

Brooke's whole life was passion.  From the first time I met her to periodic times we caught up, I was moved by her dedication. Riding on rough roads and searing heat on route 66, I could not help but be jealous of her peppiness and passion during that difficult ride.  We talked about the hiv/aids orphans we rode for, and she shared personal stories that put faces and personalities to exactly who we were riding for during R4WH.  Her energy and passion in her eyes and heart energized me more than any cool drink of water, shot of goo, or energy bar.  I will always remember her for that passion, compassion, and dedication.
- Minh Nguyen

What I remember about Brooke was how tenacious she was and how odd that seemed for someone who was so small and sweet she could have been a doll.  As a fundraising director for R4WH I worked with Brooke closely and I remember how nervous I was about bringing the US Army Health Corps on board as major sponsors for our ride that year. This was during the height of the Iraq war and well, suffice it to say, there were some strong feelings about the military's involvement in Iraq and how it would look having them sponsor our ride. We even had one of our directors resign over the issue. I knew Brooke was a Quaker and I figured for sure she would blow me out of the water for creating such controversy. But no, Brooke wasn't like that -- she was no supporter of the war, that was for sure, but she was also able to recognize how much good Army Healthcare had done for global health in general.  So, I was stunned when a few months after the ride Brooke volunteered herself to join the Army Health team. She was just that way. I can practically hear her say, "Damn appearances, I don't care what people say, I'm just going to do what I believe is right!" Boy, did she ever...
- Tim Spillane