Peter Kendall Brooks — May 17, 1944 - January 21, 2023
The RLS community has lost a powerful friend and advocate. Peter K. Brook's steadfast support for the Foundation’s Research Grant Program has advanced knowledge in the field of RLS as we search together for better treatments and a cure. For at least four decades before his death, Peter suffered from an exceptionally severe case of restless legs syndrome. Despite the ongoing challenges of sleep deprivation and other effects of the disease, he never let it slow him down or reduce his commitment. His willingness to persevere was an inspiration to all who worked closely with him on the RLS Board and elsewhere.
Peter served on the Foundation's Board of Directors from 2000 to 2005. He brought a wide range of skills to his work on the Board. His career in investment banking with J.P. Morgan (now part of Chase Bank) equipped him with both financial knowledge and relationships to lead the Board’s development efforts. He was instrumental in creating structures that continue to support our work in finding and working with donors. His passion was discovering connections with others who shared his commitment to research. He was a believer in efforts to improve the lives of those living with the disease and strongly supported the Foundation’s three-part focus to raise awareness, develop better treatments, and find a cure for RLS.
After his retirement from the financial world in 1995, Peter developed a second career as an artist, recognized for his talent in two realms: abstract painting and music. His artworks now hang in permanent collections of prominent institutions including the Monterey Art Museum and the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. His songwriting and guitar performances took him around the nation, and, thanks to YouTube, around the world. More about his life and artistic pursuits can be learned at https://www.pkbrooksart.com.
Peter generously shared his RLS journey on film to raise awareness and to educate members of the public and those in the medical community. In a widely viewed RLS and Augmentation Video Peter stressed the importance of knowledge: finding a knowledgeable provider and becoming a knowledgeable patient. He urges those with RLS to work with a provider willing to have a two-way dialogue about addressing the challenges of the disease.
With Peter’s passing, the Foundation loses not only a dedicated advocate for the work we share in dealing with this disease, but we also lose a warm and talented friend. RLS Foundation Executive Director Karla Dzienkowski recalls the time that Peter detoured from one of his national musical performance tours to visit with Foundation staff. “We had a great afternoon at the South Austin Café, and we even helped to pick out some western wear for his upcoming shows,” she remembers.
As the RLS Foundation celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Research Grant Program, we are reminded of Peter’s commitment to research. We are on the verge of funding our 50th grant proposal for groundbreaking scientific, medical research -- a program that has poured nearly $2 million into the field. We invite all to honor Peter Brooks as a leader, a tireless worker, and an inspiration for addressing the challenges that lie ahead through a memorial gift to research in his name.