What she didn't say at the bar - Brooke's Journey

I met Brooke years ago while bartending at UNO’s. She and her husband were regulars—easy to talk to, easy to root for. We talked about everything, including the intense headaches she kept having… the ones that would eventually lead to brain surgery.

But what I didn’t know then—what she didn’t say at the bar—was that her story went much deeper.

In this episode, Brooke shares for the first time the trauma she carried silently through college after being stalked and raped. She opens up about the pain, the isolation, and the years it took to finally speak her truth. And just when she began to find her footing again, life handed her another challenge: Trigeminal Neuralgia, a chronic condition so painful it’s often called the suicide disease.

Through it all, Brooke has remained fiercely loving, deeply spiritual, and committed to showing up for others—even when she was hurting herself. Today, she’s learning to show up for herself too.

This is a story about invisible wounds, impossible pain, and quiet courage. But more than anything, it’s a reminder: you never really know what someone is carrying… until they trust you enough to share it.

 National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
 www.rainn.org
Free, confidential support 24/7 via phone or online chat.

 Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

 www.vtnetwork.org
A coalition of local organizations supporting survivors throughout Vermont.

 The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support)

 www.thetrevorproject.org
 1-866-488-7386 – 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.

 Love is Respect (Dating abuse & healthy relationships)

www.loveisrespect.org

 Text “LOVEIS” to 22522
 Call 1-866-331-9474

 

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