What's Happening?
Danielle Brooks, known in the wrestling industry as Rebel, has received an outpouring of support from fellow wrestlers across various companies following her ALS diagnosis. Brooks expressed her gratitude towards AEW for their support during her medical
journey. She has not appeared on AEW programming since August 2022, and her last extended on-screen role was as the personal assistant to former AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. Brooks announced her diagnosis on May 1, coinciding with the start of ALS Awareness Month. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that currently has no cure. Public messages of support have come from wrestlers such as Matt Hardy, Alexa Bliss, and Shane “Hurricane” Helms, among others.
Why It's Important?
The widespread support for Danielle Brooks highlights the wrestling community's solidarity and compassion in times of personal crisis. Brooks' diagnosis brings attention to ALS, a disease that affects thousands of Americans and has significant implications for public health awareness and research funding. The wrestling industry's response underscores the importance of community support in raising awareness for diseases like ALS, which lack a cure. This collective action can potentially influence public policy and philanthropic efforts towards ALS research, benefiting those affected by the disease.
What's Next?
As Brooks continues her medical journey, the wrestling community is expected to maintain its support, potentially leading to increased awareness and fundraising efforts for ALS research. AEW and other wrestling organizations may organize events or campaigns to support Brooks and ALS awareness. The ongoing dialogue around Brooks' condition could inspire other public figures to share their own health challenges, further amplifying the conversation around ALS and similar diseases.
