A CALL TO OUR ILA FAMILY — LET’S STAND TOGETHER FOR OUR UNION SISTER CHRISTINA BROOKS ⚓️❤️

To all of my brothers and sisters throughout the International Longshoremen’s Association,

Today, I am reaching out with a humble and heartfelt request on behalf of one of our own, our Union Sister Christina Brooks.

Christina has been a proud, hardworking Union member of ILA Local 1351 since 2014. On August 1, 2026, Christina received devastating news: she was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer that has spread to her bones, hips, and spine.

She has begun chemotherapy and is now facing an incredibly difficult journey. Her treatment is expected to continue through October 2026.

Christina is in extreme pain and currently requires a walker to get around. Yet, in the middle of everything she is enduring, she is also a mother trying to care for her family.

Her two sons, Troy and Karter, have stepped up to care for their mother. Troy takes her to her appointments and helps care for her throughout the day, while her younger son, Karter, does everything he can to take care of his mom at home.

Christina has applied for financial assistance of approximately $47 per day, but as of the time I am writing this, that assistance has not been approved.

So today, I am calling on our entire ILA family—every Local, every brother, every sister, and everyone who believes in what our union stands for—to come together for Christina.

When I see our Union Sister going through something this frightening and uncertain, I cannot simply stand by and do nothing. I believe that being part of a union means more than working alongside one another. It means standing beside one another when life gets hard. It means showing up when one of our own needs us most.

Christina should not have to fight cancer while also worrying about how she will provide for herself and her family.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every dollar can help ease some of the financial burden on Christina and her sons while she focuses her strength and energy on her treatment.

And if you are unable to give financially, you can still help tremendously. Please share Christina’s story. Share this message with your Local. Share it with your fellow longshoremen and women. Help us reach our brothers and sisters throughout the ILA.

Let’s show Christina that she is not fighting alone.

From one Local to another, from one port to another, and from one Union brother and sister to the next, let’s come together and surround Christina and her family with the strength, love, prayers, and support of the entire ILA family.

This is what solidarity looks like.

This is what family looks like.

This is what UNION STRONG means.

We stand with you, Christina.

We are praying for you.

We are fighting beside you.

And your ILA family has your back. ❤️⚓️