At the end of 2024, our family received devastating news: my older sister, Brooke Pangrazio, has been diagnosed with Stage Four Colon Cancer. Diagnosed at just 33, now 35, Brooke is facing the fight of her life, and we’re determined to be right there beside her every step of the way.

For those who know Brooke, you already know what an extraordinary person she is. She’s a devoted wife to her loving husband, Aaron, and the incredible mom of three amazing kids: Kate (12), Jamie (7), and Andy (4). Being a stay-at-home mom is her greatest joy, and she does it with a level of care, patience, and love that is truly inspiring. She’s the kind of mother we all strive to be—thoughtful, present, and endlessly giving.

Brooke has an incredible support group made up of her family, including me and our younger sister, Ally, our parents Jessica and Derald, Aaron’s parents, Brenda and Keith, her friends Celia and Garrett, and countless other friends and loved ones. We’re so grateful for this circle of love, but we’re looking to grow it even bigger as she faces this journey.

Brooke began her treatment at UAB, and continues to do chemotherapy every other week since February of 2025. She has also received specialized care at MD Anderson and Vanderbilt, where her doctors are working to treat her to the best of their ability. When Brooke was diagnosed, the cancer had already metastasized to her liver, and she now has small metastases on her lungs.

In September of 2026, we received some difficult news. The timeline we had hoped to have with Brooke is now shorter than we originally thought. She has had a couple of procedures, paracentesis, to drain fluid that has built up in her abdomen. This fluid is caused by the additional strain on her liver and abdomen lining from her tumors. The procedures have been successful in draining the fluid and making her more comfortable, but they are also a sign that her treatment is not continuing in the direction we'd hoped for.

With that said, Brooke is starting a new chemo that we are hopeful will work well for her, and will be looking into clinical trials. We are continuing to fight and hoping that these options can give her more time.

For now, Brooke and Aaron are focusing on making memories and spending as much time together as possible. Aaron is taking a leave from work so they can travel together as a family while Brooke is still able.

With Aaron stepping away from work, and travel and treatment expenses, they could really use our support. If you’re able to donate, it would mean the world to us.

The journey we have faced has been challenging, but Brooke is resilient, and we have no doubt she’ll continue to face this with the grace and strength that define her.

This GoFundMe is to help ease the financial burden of mounting medical expenses, travel for specialized care, and the costs of everyday living so that Brooke can focus on her health and her family. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help lighten the load and make a difference.

If you’re unable to donate, we completely understand. Sharing Brooke’s story or keeping her in your thoughts and well-wishes means the world to us and helps more than you know.

Thank you for being part of Brooke’s journey and for helping us show her that she’s not in this fight alone.