Savannah Guthrie, a prominent host of NBC’s *Today* show, has paid heartfelt tribute to Brooke Eby, a beloved former guest and TikTok sensation who passed away at the age of 37 following a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Eby’s death was announced by the ALS Network on October 1, 2023, and has left a deep impact on those who knew her and those who followed her inspiring journey.
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In her remembrance, Guthrie highlighted Eby’s resilience and remarkable spirit in facing her diagnosis, which came to her at the relatively young age of 33. On the *Today* show, Guthrie reflected on the incredible way Eby shared her experience with ALS, stating, “She did it with courage, openness and humour.” Eby’s approach to processing her illness was both humorous and openly raw, which resonated with countless viewers, many of whom followed her online.
The two women first crossed paths in 2023 when Eby appeared on *Today* to discuss her advocacy work and how she used humour to cope with and communicate her ongoing struggles with ALS. “Even as her body began to fail her, she kept up her fight,” Guthrie shared. “She kept posting — yes, with that trademark humour and spirit.” Eby became well-known for her amusing TikTok videos, which offered a light-hearted take on her “death sentence,” as she referred to her condition, while simultaneously raising awareness for the disease.
Following her diagnosis in 2022, which came four years after she initially began displaying symptoms, Eby launched a platform to share her journey, thus creating a vibrant community known as ALStogether. This platform provided a supportive space for individuals living with ALS, helping to foster connections among those affected by the disease. Eby’s father, Cliff, expressed gratitude for the impact Eby made, stating, “Her efforts didn’t find a cure for the next Brooke, but she wounded the ALS monster.”
In a previous interview, Eby emphasised the importance of humour as her coping mechanism, stating, “Levity is my superpower.” This sentiment echoed throughout her advocacy work and was documented in personal essays and reflections she shared with the public. She observed that laughter made those around her more comfortable, which in turn helped to alleviate her own discomfort when facing the realities of her illness.
Eby’s influence extended well beyond her social media presence. Following her passing, the ALS Network commended her exceptional advocacy efforts and her ability to change perceptions surrounding ALS. Sheri Strahl, President and CEO of the ALS Network, remarked that Eby “changed the way people see ALS” and played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community among those affected by the condition. Strahl added, “Brooke brought humour into incredibly difficult moments, spoke with fearless honesty, and created connection where it was desperately needed.”
In a time when many face the daunting challenges posed by illnesses like ALS, Eby’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her ability to address her circumstances with humour not only helped her personally but also provided a valuable resource for others navigating similar experiences. By sharing her life’s story, she created a visual diary for those diagnosed with ALS, offering a guiding light for the future.
Brooke Eby’s battle with ALS and her efforts to engage with and uplift others will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit and the community she built will continue to resonate profoundly within the ALS advocacy landscape and the hearts of many who were touched by her message.