Hi friends and family,

This page is our way to keep everyone close and up to date as Dad begins this new chapter. We’ll share updates, ways to help, and moments from the journey ahead.

Dad was recently diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of cancer. The news has been tough, and everything has moved fast—but we’re deeply grateful to have an experienced and compassionate medical team leading his care, and a solid treatment plan in place. He’ll begin chemo and radiation on June 9 and has already started medication to manage pain and inflammation. We’re grateful for early signs of relief and focused on helping him navigate treatment with strength and support.

For those who don’t know the full scope of who Dad is: he spent his career as a firefighter and retired as a captain, with a short stint in the military and a lifelong passion for carpentry and woodworking. He’s the guy we call when something breaks, a shelf needs building, or we’re not sure how to fix it ourselves — though let’s be honest, he usually shows up before we even finish asking.

He’s taught both of his daughters how to handle tools, tackle projects, and avoid paying someone else to do something we can do ourselves. He’s Grandpa to three wonderful grandkids (Stephanie’s crew), and Grandpa-by-proxy to a few spoiled cats (Crystal’s crew).

Just before his diagnosis, he started building a new shed— classic Dad — and over the weekend, his four siblings and their spouses came together to help him finish it. For a few hours, it felt like everything was normal again: sawdust, tools, laughter, and family.

He’s facing this journey with strength, resilience, and deep faith, surrounded by love—Lisa, Stephanie, and Crystal—and lifted up by an incredible circle of prayer and support. We’ve already received so many texts, calls, and messages of love, and please know how much they mean to us. Right now, the sheer volume has been a bit overwhelming alongside all the appointments, planning, and emotions, so this page is our way of staying connected and organized without anyone falling through the cracks.

We'll use this space to post updates, and we’ll also share ways you can help. In the coming days, we’ll add opportunities to:
- Drop off meals (especially helpful on treatment days)
- Run errands or offer a ride
- Help with small house or yard tasks
- Send cards or messages that lift Dad’s spirits

Having one place for all of this will help us protect Dad’s energy—and Mom’s—while still allowing the incredible community around them to show up in love. Thank you for walking alongside us.

With gratitude and love,
Ricky, Lisa, Crystal &amp; Stephanie

Cancer

Medical

Ricky Brooks

Supporting Ricky's Fight with Cancer

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.
Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, and a menu free of man-made trans-fat, Panera is committed to providing great tasting quality food people can trust.
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Why We Love This Gift: We like convenient, comfortable, and quality chain restaurant food. You know who else might like it? Anyone who has reason to spend time with a sick relative in a hospital. Chain restaurants can provide a valuable change of scene and a little headspace.
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Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.

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The Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card provides 9 distinguished and diverse restaurants on one card.  From Olive Garden's never-ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden fresh salad to fresh, boldly seasoned and expertly grilled steaks - like the signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye&reg; at LongHorn Steakhouse, we have one card with all your favorites.    Darden&reg; Restaurants Gift Card can be redeemed at any Olive Garden&reg;, LongHorn Steakhouse&reg;, Yard House&reg;, Ruth's Chris&reg; Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen&reg;, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52&reg;, Eddie V's and Bahama Breeze&reg; restaurants in the U.S.  Gift Cards can be redeemed for Online To Go, Catering and Dine-In meals.
What To Express In Your Card: I am thinking about you so much. Please, take a few minutes and get something to eat and drink on me.

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With over 1,500 restaurants in all 50 states, the Darden Gift Card is redeemable at some of the most recognizable brands in full-service dining including Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Bahama Breeze®, Seasons 52®, Yard House®, and Cheddar&#8217;s® among others.

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CareCard by Give InKind is the personalized, versatile gift card that turns money into true support.
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Which gift cards can your CareCard by Give InKind become?
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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Target</li>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;">And more!</li>
</ul>
Who can receive a CareCard?
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A Reward Link is simply the easiest way to give the gift of choice. You&#8217;ll find dozens of premium gift cards, and with digital delivery you will receive the reward value instantly. You are a few simple clicks away from choosing the gift card you really want.

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Spreadsheet Delivery

With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

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What is the best gift anytime? A Target eGift Card. With no fees and no expiration dates, the real question is: who couldn't use a gift card from Target?
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This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
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Walmart

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Give the gift of doing with a Home Depot Gift Card. They are ideal for any occasion.
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Amazon gift cards never expire and they carry no fees. Redeemable towards millions of items at Amazon.com and also certain affiliated websites. Deliverable electronically and instantly.
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Amie hugs her boys

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Lori Shaffer

In a child's mind - the word cancer isn't necessarily a scary word. Get tips for how to talk to your kids about a cancer diagnosis.

Talking to Your Kids About Your Cancer - Give InKind

I have cancer. How do I tell my kids? In a child&#8217;s mind &#8211; the word cancer isn&#8217;t necessarily a scary word. Don&#8217;t scare them with your own fear. When Amie Lands was diagnosed with aggressive Head &amp; Neck cancer, her boys were only six and two. Throughout her battle, Amie, a Certified Grief Coach, [&hellip;]

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Give InKind

General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

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Tara Shafer

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to support a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for additional information.

How To Help A Family Through Cancer Treatment

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to help a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for more.

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