Tanea Brooks, a professional wrestler known as “Rebel,” has a heartbreaking health update.
The 47-year-old athlete took to Instagram on Friday to reveal that after two years of trying to figure out what was “wrong” with her, doctors at the Mayo Clinic determined she has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS. According to the Mayo Clinic, the neurodegenerative disorder, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, destroys the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, slurred speech, and paralysis. Sadly, there is no cure for ALS at this time. And Tanea doesn’t know how long she will have left:
“The doctors have diagnosed me with terminal ALS. There is not a lot of research behind ALS, and we don’t know how long I have. But it explains why I have trouble walking and talking, and all my functions will soon decline. But now we can prepare for the future and what is to come. And I want to say thank you.”
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Breaking down into tears, Tanea thanked All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan, the president and CEO of AEW, for their support over the years:
“It has been a blessing that is unheard of, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
She then asked fans to pray for a “peaceful” death:
“Please continue to pray for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing. I love you.”
Absolutely heartbreaking. Watch the emotional video (below):
This is so devastating. We’re sending Tanea and her family so much love.
[Image via Tanea Brooks/Instagram]
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