Brooke Rose Powers Wilson

April 11, 1981 - October 19, 2014 Look up the word "hero" and you'll find references to characters who, in the face of adversity, display courage and self-sacrifice for the greater good of humanity. Those characteristics were embodied by our real-life heroine, Brooke Powers Wilson. Born on April 11, 1981, and raised in the San Fernando Valley, the quintessential Girl Scout and Cheerleader attended high school at the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications from Cal State Northridge. She studied abroad at the University of Wollongong in Australia, where she developed her sense of adventure and love affair with that country. She spent nearly 15 years working tirelessly for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, where she supervised camps and organized carnivals and sports leagues as everything from a camp counselor to Facility Director. After marrying her "lovie" John in Malibu on September 25, 2010, Brooke moved to San Diego and spent her last four years molding high school girls as the Cheer Coach at Francis Parker School. Brooke's passions in life included an unparalleled zest for the outdoors, inspired by her parents and enjoyed with her beloved puggle, Zuma Dog; DIY craft and home projects showcasing her creativity and workmanship; and virtually all music heard on KROQ's Kevin & Bean Show, though no musicians brought her greater joy than Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters. But above all else, Brooke was committed to leaving the world a better place than she found it. She began serving her community through her years in Girl Scouts, where she earned a Gold Award for organizing an ocean cleanup project as a high school student, ran boating and orienteering events as a young adult, and served as a Delegate to the National Convention. She volunteered for an untold number of charitable causes, but most dear to her heart was Cheer Los Angeles, a volunteer group of adult cheerleaders that travel the world to raise money for local AIDS/HIV-related charities. In February of 2013, Brooke was fueled with an even greater purpose, as her resolve to save the world became personal when she was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. Even after the disease left her bald, sick, numb, and short 35 lymph nodes, she embodied her mantra that "our attitude, outlook, perspective is the most empowering tool we have - abuse it!" Though her battle progressed aggressively from Stage II to III to IV, Brooke remained unwaveringly courageous. She never let it take away her hope or philanthropic spirit. It was no surprise to anyone that Brooke spent her time battling cancer rallying hundreds on both coasts to walk for melanoma and cycling 150 miles as part of Pedal the Cause. It is easy to see why her warrior-like strength encouraged and touched so many lives. She taught us through her actions how to be more giving and purposeful human beings. Her charming and charismatic self always shined through with a unique ability to be vulnerably honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time. She embraced each moment and lived without fear or complaint, as if she knew some secret all along that the rest of us didn't. The biggest testament to her inspiring journey has been the unrelenting army of #TEAMbpw followers who supported her throughout the past 20 months. Some people take an entire lifetime or more to fulfill their soul's purpose; it only took Brooke 33 years. She never "lost" her battle with cancer because she never gave up. Her heart just shined so brightly that she was called home on October 19, 2014, surrounded by her loving husband John Wilson, her parents Barbara Tullo Booth and Kevin Powers, and her mother-in-law Sheri Williams. Although our world will be dimmer without her physical presence, Brooke's beautiful spirit will continue to thrive through all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. A private memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 2 at the Malibu Nature Preserve. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Brooke's name to the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (https://girlscoutsla.thankyou4caring.org/) or to the Melanoma Research Foundation (www.melanoma.org).