Brooke Eby’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, authenticity, and grace in the face of unimaginable challenge. Three years ago, Brooke — now 36 — was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease that affects motor neurons and gradually weakens the body. At the time of her diagnosis, she was told she had two to five years to live, a reality that instantly reshaped every aspect of her life.
As the disease has progressed, Brooke now navigates the world in a wheelchair. Yet even as her physical independence has changed, her voice, spirit, and impact have only grown stronger. Through her candid and often humorous presence on TikTok, Brooke has shared the realities of living with ALS with honesty and heart — frequently smiling, joking, and educating others while refusing to let the disease define her entirely.
One of the losses Brooke has spoken about most tenderly is something simple but deeply meaningful: walking her dog, Dray.
Brooke adopted Dray when she was just 26, long before her diagnosis, and the two have been inseparable ever since. He has been her constant companion through every stage of her ALS journey. While Brooke and Dray have learned to adapt together, the increasing size of her wheelchair eventually made it impossible for her to walk him independently.
“We’ve learned to adapt, but lately with this big chair, it’s just been impossible to walk him by myself,” Brooke shared in a video, speaking with her characteristic honesty.
That moment caught the attention of Chewy, the pet care brand known for its annual Chewy Claus campaign — a charitable initiative that donates meals to pets in need for every letter submitted during the holiday season. While the campaign supports millions of animals, Chewy decided to do something more personal for Brooke and Dray.
Recognizing how much independence and joy walking Dray brought to Brooke, Chewy partnered with engineers at Bold Lead Designs to create a custom adaptive leash designed specifically for her wheelchair and for Dray’s small size. The solution allowed Brooke to once again share walks with her best friend — restoring not just mobility, but dignity, connection, and independence.
“These insufficient leashes deprived Brooke of one of her favorite activities,” Chewy shared. “So when Dray shared his wish, Chewy Claus listened.”
Brooke Eby’s journey is not only a story of illness — it is a story of love, adaptation, advocacy, and courage. She has used her platform to humanize ALS, to laugh when possible, to grieve honestly when needed, and to remind the world that life, even when limited, can still be full of meaning.
Whether through her advocacy, her humor, or her deep bond with Dray, Brooke Eby continues to leave a lasting impression on countless people who see themselves reflected in her strength.
Her legacy is not measured in time, but in impact — and in the quiet, powerful moments that show what it means to keep showing up with heart.
Leave a Reply