UPDATE 9/3/26: Many in Boundary County will remember Wade and Brenda Brooks. They were a couple who spent decades weaving their family into the fabric of this community. Brenda worked for Cedar Mountain Shims, and Wade drove truck. Their life wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs, built with hard work, loyalty, and the kind of quiet devotion and love many people only dream of.

On August 8, after weeks in ICU and rehab, Wade passed away, while holding Brenda's hand, in comfort care following a massive stroke at the age of 61.

Just two days later, on August 10, Brenda, 57, exhausted from traveling back and forth to Spokane to be at her husband’s bedside, fell and broke three bones in her leg, and sustained two fractures in her pelvis. She underwent surgery that same day, where a plate was placed.

Then, on August 28, the very day of Wade’s celebration of life, Brenda just didn't feel herself. She was weak and gray. Her primary care provider sent her for STAT labs, and within hours she was life‑flighted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. There, doctors treated her for a pulmonary embolism, an aortic dissection, an aneurysm stretching the full length of her aorta, and a lung mass that had grown from pea‑sized to the size of a golf ball.

Brenda was discharged home on September 1. She will return to Seattle on September 18 for surgery to repair the aneurysm, the first of many trips and appointments to the greater Puget Sound area.

Through tears, Brenda, who is now stable and no longer grey, told 9B.News, “I am just thankful that I have a second chance at life. Wade is definitely watching over me."

She goes on, "The donations of the community were the only way I was able to see Wade and be there when he took his last breath. I meant so much and I will be forever grateful."

Brenda and her children are so grateful to the community they love so much for all of the donations and prayers.

On behalf of herself and her family, we are asking, again for the community to come through. Brenda must travel to Seattle and back at least twice in the next months and is in need of the community's help. With fuel prices rising, the Brooks family is in need of assistance for travel costs.

UPDATE: On Saturday morning, August 8, 2026 at 5:30 a.m., Wade passed away. His family would like to thank each and everyone who prayed, donated, called and texted during this time. There will be a birthday party/celebration of life for Wade held on August 28 at the Boundary County Fairgrounds from 3-5 p.m. Details to follow.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, long time Boundary County resident, Wade Brooks faced a life-altering stroke while at home. He was swiftly airlifted to Spokane, where he continues to fight but remains in critical condition.

As it stands now, Wade is paralyzed from the neck down and can only communicate with his eyes and only answer yes and no questions.

His prognosis is unknown at this time but it likely that he will be wheelchair bound for the foreseeable future.

Brenda, his devoted wife of 37 years, is making the arduous journey to Spokane every day to support him but the loss in income is having a detrimental effect on the family.

The future looks different than it did a week ago, but together, they can conquer anything!

With Wade being the primary provider and Brenda working part time to be with him in the hospital, money is tight.

"We've been through hell and back, Brenda says, "and we got all the t-shirts, but we're not giving up now!"

Your thoughts and prayers can make a profound difference for the Brooks family. If you feel moved to assist financially, your contributions for helping with the house payments, living expenses, gas and food would be immensely appreciated.

Wade was set to fix a few things at the house and is now unable to, so if anyone could or would help in this way, send a message.

Most importantly, your prayers are a beacon of hope for Wade and his family.

Let’s come together as a community support the Brooks in this uphill journey.

UPDATE: As for June 29, 2026 Wade is doing slightly better, according to his wife, Brenda. He had this trach changed out so his breathing is better. His blood sugar is back to normal, but the fevers continue. Wade still continues to deal with pneumonia, but the doctors have changed the antibiotic again, so hopefully he will be able to be moved to a rehab hospital in the near future.

Please continue to pray for Wade and the family as this has taken a emotional, physical and financial on the family. If you are able to donate to allow Brenda to continue to work and drive the 180-mile round trip to visit multiple times per week, she would be forever grateful.