Tanea Brooks has spoken emotionally about learning she has a terminal illness.
The wrestler, who performs under the name Rebel, has confirmed she has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) — also widely known as Motor Neurone Disease and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Brooks, 47, shared the news in an Instagram post on May 1, explaining that doctors have told her she has the condition.
In a tearful update, the All Elite Wrestling figure said she’s now focusing on what lies ahead and is hoping for a “peaceful” end-of-life experience.
As outlined by the Mayo Clinic, ALS can cause difficulties with walking and everyday tasks, increased falls, weakness in the ankles, legs, and feet, and reduced strength or coordination in the hands.
The illness may also lead to trouble swallowing, slurred speech, and behavioral changes.
Symptoms typically worsen over time and can ultimately lead to paralysis.
While some treatments and therapies may help manage progression and ease symptoms, there is currently no cure for ALS.
In a tearful video shared on social media, Brooks said: “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.”
She added: “But now we can prepare for the future and what is to come.
Brooks also became emotional as she expressed gratitude, thanking All Elite Wrestling and specifically its president and CEO, Tony Khan.
“It has been a blessing that is unheard of, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” she said, before also acknowledging supporters who have been praying for her.
Ending the message, she told viewers: “Please continue to pray for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing. I love you.”
She then blew a kiss to the camera and wrapped up the video.
Brooks also shared more background on her health issues, saying she had been taking “anti-fungal” medication for about a year while dealing with “infections, ruptures [and] tumors.”
She explained that she later went to the Mayo Clinic, where she was diagnosed with cancer and previously underwent treatment.
According to Brooks, she was preparing for “lung surgery for the masses” on her lungs when she received the ALS diagnosis.