Former AEW star Tanea “Rebel” Brooks has been named the first-ever Honorary Member of the I AM ALS Board of Directors, recognizing her advocacy efforts following her ALS diagnosis earlier this year.
The organization announced the appointment in a press release issued on Thursday, October 15, highlighting Brooks’ contributions to raising awareness and encouraging support for legislation aimed at expanding ALS research and treatment access.
The announcement follows the passage of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026, commonly known as ACT for ALS.
The legislation received final Congressional approval on September 28, when the United States Senate passed the measure by unanimous consent ahead of its September 30 expiration deadline.
Co-authored by I AM ALS co-founder Brian Wallach, the legislation extends programs established under the original law through fiscal year 2031. According to the organization, the extension represents a potential additional investment of up to $500 million in ALS research infrastructure and treatment access.
At the time of the announcement, the legislation was awaiting the President’s signature.
Brooks joined I AM ALS as an official ambassador in June 2026, shortly after publicly revealing her ALS diagnosis in May.
She subsequently released a public service announcement encouraging wrestling fans to “step into the ring with I AM ALS” and support efforts to reauthorize ACT for ALS.
In her new honorary board position, Brooks will continue using her platform and personal experiences to raise awareness, encourage advocacy and support individuals living with the disease.
“Advocacy for ALS is a major priority in my battle,” Brooks said. “And I plan to continue to fight the good fight with I AM ALS to find a cure and help others get access to treatment.”
Since announcing her diagnosis, Brooks has received considerable support from the professional wrestling community.
AEW released Rebel Heart merchandise in her honor, including a T-shirt, bracelet and Rebel Micro Brawler figure. Upper Deck also produced a limited-edition Rebel trading card, with proceeds benefiting I AM ALS and Team Gleason.
On September 9, AEW presented a special Rebel Heart edition of Dynamite from Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia. The broadcast aired on TBS and HBO Max, honoring Brooks while raising funds for both organizations.
As the September 30 legislative deadline approached, Brooks also encouraged her supporters to sign an I AM ALS petition urging Congress to extend the legislation.
I AM ALS CEO Andrea Goodman praised Brooks for turning her diagnosis into an opportunity to advocate for others.
“Tanea turned a devastating moment into immediate action, calling us soon after her diagnosis to join the movement,” Goodman said.
“She uses her platform, humor, vulnerability and unwavering honesty to make people pay attention, and take action. Welcoming ‘Rebel’ to our Board as Congress reauthorizes ACT for ALS is a powerful reflection of what she has helped us achieve and what this movement is built on: collective power and visibility of the very people living with the disease.”
Brooks began her professional wrestling career in 2014 and has appeared for Impact Wrestling, Ohio Valley Wrestling and AEW.
She became particularly recognizable to AEW audiences through her association with Dr. Britt Baker, frequently appearing alongside the former AEW Women’s World Champion on Dynamite.
Before entering professional wrestling, Brooks worked as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and pursued opportunities in acting, modeling and dance.
In November 2025, Brooks disclosed that she had been diagnosed with primary pulmonary lymphoma. She subsequently revealed her ALS diagnosis in May 2026.
Her appointment to the I AM ALS Board of Directors marks another step in her advocacy work as she continues to raise awareness and support research into the disease.
Fans wishing to support Brooks and the organization’s efforts can donate through iamals.org/rebel.
