Brooke Jackman, a young aspiring social worker, was just 23 years old and two months into a new job at Cantor Fitzgerald when the tragic events of September 11, 2001, took her life. The night before the terrorist attacks, Brooke shared her dreams with her family, expressing her desire to pursue a master’s degree in social work to continue her passion for helping others. Her sister, Erin Jackman, fondly remembers Brooke’s compassionate nature, which was evident from a young age as she volunteered at soup kitchens and with people with disabilities.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brooke-Jackman-foundation-0a-091025-c0358611318e4051a948afa998329908.jpg)
Growing up in Oyster Bay, Long Island, Brooke was known as the bookworm of the family, always carrying a book wherever she went. Despite her academic achievements, including a major in women’s studies and a minor in Italian from Columbia University, Brooke chose to join Cantor Fitzgerald before pursuing further education. Erin describes Brooke as the best among them, possessing a humble spirit and a natural inclination towards doing the right thing.
On that fateful day, amidst the chaos of the World Trade Center attack, Erin and her family clung to hope, believing that Brooke would make her way to safety from the 104th floor of the North Tower. Unfortunately, they later learned the devastating truth that there was no escape for those trapped in the towers. The heartbreak of losing Brooke remains as raw as ever for Erin, who continues to cherish the memories of their time together.
In the aftermath of losing Brooke, the Jackman family sought to honour her legacy by founding the Brooke Jackman Foundation. Inspired by Brooke’s love for reading and commitment to service, the foundation has donated over a million books to children in underserved communities, along with providing educational resources and support. Erin acknowledges that keeping Brooke’s memory alive through these initiatives has brought solace and purpose to their family.
Through literacy programs, book giveaways, and other educational initiatives, the foundation strives to empower children to succeed in school and beyond. Erin expresses gratitude for the opportunity to impact young lives positively in Brooke’s name, ensuring that her love for reading and helping others continues to inspire generations. Despite the pain of their loss, the Jackman family finds comfort in knowing that Brooke’s spirit lives on through their work.
As Erin reflects on her sister’s enduring presence in her life, she finds solace in the knowledge that Brooke’s legacy endures through the foundation’s efforts. Each child impacted by their programs carries a piece of Brooke’s kindness and passion for learning, a testament to the lasting impact of her compassionate spirit. For Erin and her family, honouring Brooke’s memory by brightening the lives of others has become a source of healing and hope in the midst of tragedy.
To learn more about the Brooke Jackman Foundation or to contribute to their cause, please visit their official website at https://brookejackmanfoundation.org/. In the face of unimaginable loss, the Jackman family has transformed their grief into a beacon of light, spreading joy and opportunity to children in need, all in memory of a remarkable young woman whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift.