On Thursday night, inside the Historic Memorial Coliseum, a moment of joy and relief filled the air as Chrissy Brooks, wife of Kentucky women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks, celebrated her victory over breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2023, Chrissy’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, culminating in ringing the bell on May 24, a powerful symbol of overcoming a devastating disease.
For Kenny Brooks, this past year has been the most challenging of his life. Juggling personal and professional responsibilities, he leaned on his faith and the support of those around him to navigate the difficulties. Reflecting after the Texas game, Brooks shared how this experience has given him a new perspective.
“This last year has been the hardest year of my life,” Brooks admitted. “To be able to watch my wife walk out there, and when they said she rang the bell on May the 24th — it puts everything into perspective. She’s fought. She’s the strongest person I know, and I also know that we didn’t get to this point by ourselves.”
Brooks credits the power of prayer and the overwhelming support he received from friends, family, and the Big Blue Nation. Initially keeping Chrissy’s diagnosis private, the couple later opened up, and the response brought them comfort and strength during dark times.
“When we told people, it was the biggest weight lifted off my shoulder,” Brooks noted. “So many people helped us, prayed for us, and got us through it. Nights like tonight, when you know what you’ve gone through and how you’ve gotten through it because of other people, it’s humbling. It also brings awareness to this nasty disease.”
Brooks also highlighted the camaraderie he shares with others who have faced similar challenges, including Texas coach Vic Schaefer, whose son experienced a life-threatening health scare. These shared struggles, Brooks explained, remind us of the importance of leaning on a support system.
“The University of Kentucky has been great to me,” Brooks said. “I love it when people come up to me, before even asking about basketball, and ask how my wife’s doing. That means everything because family’s first. Tonight’s special.”
Chrissy’s victory is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength that comes from community and faith. For the Brooks family, this milestone marks the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of a hopeful future.
