A DYNAMIC DUO Chip & Marilyn Brooks
Waterhouse, Marilyn saw firsthand the distribution of financial payments. “If people knew how little hospitals receive from insurance, they may donate more. People would have so much more appreciation for the care the hospital provides.” The Brooks knew they had to give back to the caregivers who helped to save Chip’s life at several different moments of crisis.
Chip and Marilyn Brooks are firm believers that when you find good healthcare and caregivers, you respond in appreciation. Enjoying vibrant and active lives, Chip drew on his love of horses and his Texas upbringing near President Lyndon B. Johnson’s ranch to make his way to Los Angeles, first as a horse-riding stuntman in western films, and later choosing a safer path as a film editor. Marilyn grew up in a family of eight, playing volleyball and
research Marilyn was surprised to learn how little hospitals are reimbursed for the services they provide, and this inspired her to give back as well with Annual Gifts and sponsoring a free meal for the hardworking nurses and care staff. Bit by bit, the Brooks family came to see firsthand how strained the American medical system can be, revealed through Chip’s long
From her keen financial perspective and profession where numbers are her game, Marilyn saw that hospitals cannot sustain a high level of care and stay in business. Understanding how little hospitals actually receive after the costs of insurance and expenses, the Brooks are clear that nothing in life is free, and that acute care can only
basketball, applying her voracious attention to detail as an auditor and later as a CPA for Price Waterhouse. Chip and Marilyn met at the Hollywood YMCA, where Chip enjoyed playing racquetball, and Marilyn caught his eye as the only woman who regularly joined the guys’ pickup basketball games. Enjoying the heyday
The Brooks knew they had to give back to the caregivers who helped to save Chip’s life at several different moments of crisis.
continue to exist if community partners support healthcare in their neighborhood. Without the commitment of community supporters, vital healthcare resources might not be there when they are needed most. This is why the Brooks continue to give, helping ensure world-class care is available when it is needed most.
of Hollywood shines through in their loving and playful exchanges as they share their story as a dynamic duo. In 2006, Chip had a stroke; “at 1AM the doctors were operating on Chip – they got the job done.” After staying in Adventist Health Glendale’s ICU for 4 days, Marilyn noticed an anonymous gift plaque and during those challenging days of Chip fighting for his life, Marilyn was appreciative of that generosity. Upon further
journey of recovery after they found themselves back in the hospital in 2013 when their house was broken into and Chip nearly died from the injuries he suffered. Again, Adventist Health Glendale was able to provide the compassionate care they needed. “The care was exemplary, and I was appreciative. We are not rich people and yet were treated with the utmost commitment. Having audited HMOs in her career at Price
Adventist Health Glendale is their highest philanthropic priority. The
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14 THE DIFFERENCE 2025
ADVENTIST HEALTH GLENDALE FOUNDATION 15
Marilyn and Chip Brooks
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