Beloved child influencer Brie Bird dies at 9 after a courageous five-year battle with stage 4 cancer

13 December 2025

Brielle Bird. Brielle Bird/Instagram

The internet was left reeling as the family of Brielle “Brie” Bird announced that the 9-year-old social media star has died after a long and inspiring battle with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Brie, who documented her health journey with candor and courage for nearly a million followers under the username @briestrongerthancancer, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, faith, and an extraordinary connection with people around the world.

Brie’s story began in 2020, when at just four years old she was diagnosed with a large tumor in her abdomen that had spread throughout her body. Her mother, Kendra Bird, shared the heartbreaking news with their online community, and from that moment on Brie’s life became a testament to unyielding strength. Over the next two years, the family celebrated what seemed to be a miraculous remission, but in January 2024 the cancer returned with a vengeance. Through every setback, Brie’s presence on social media remained uplifting, marked by brave moments, cheerful videos, and the unshakable belief that every day mattered.

In early July 2025, as Brie’s condition worsened, her family made the heart-wrenching decision to enter hospice care so that she could remain at home, surrounded by comfort and familiarity rather than endure further painful treatments. That decision reflected not only a medical choice but the fulfillment of Brie’s own wishes, a reminder of how deeply her personal voice had shaped this journey. Her openness about pain and hope, about fear and faith, gave her followers not just updates on her health, but an intimate window into a life lived with enormous heart.

Brie’s impact reached far beyond her immediate circle, touching people from all walks of life. One of the most poignant gestures of support came from pop star Ariana Grande, one of Brie’s favorite artists. Grande sent a specially curated gift package filled with items inspired by Wicked, a musical Brie adored, along with plush Squishmallows, nail polish, perfume, and a heartfelt video message. In the video Grande told Brie that she saw her videos and thought she was “the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe,” an affirmation that brought immense joy to Brie and her family during a challenging time.

The influence Brie had on her followers was not merely about social media fame. Her story became a source of comfort and courage for families facing their own battles. Her ability to confront something as devastating as Stage 4 neuroblastoma with faith, humor, and unguarded humanity made her more than a creator of content. She became, to many, a symbol of hope. In her final post before entering hospice, she expressed gratitude and love to her supporters, ending her updates not with defeat but with the clear acknowledgement that love and community had sustained her.

Brie’s mother, Kendra, carried the weight of documenting every step of this journey with dignity and honesty. Her posts were tender, raw, protective, and always clear about wanting the world to see Brie as she truly was: a joyful, curious, and spirited child who loved life even as it hurt her so deeply. In her family’s announcement of Brie’s passing, they wrote that her purpose on earth was fulfilled and that she had brought people to faith and shown that “God is good,” sentiments that resonated deeply with the community that watched her grow up online.

The outpouring of grief and support after Brie’s death was immediate. Followers shared memories of how her bravery had helped them through their own struggles. Many spoke of how her videos had transformed their perspective on suffering and gratitude, how a young girl’s smile could remind adults what truly matters. The family’s promise that they would “never stop” sharing Brie’s story and that her bedroom door would always be open symbolized the emotional connection Brie's audience felt with her.

Brie is survived by her parents and siblings, including her younger brother Rixton, who has said that watching her battle inspired him to want to become a scientist to help fight cancer. The family’s expression of eternal love and their dedication to preserving her legacy speak to the depth of the bond they shared and the imprint she left on those who followed her life so closely.

Her story, documented from that first terrifying hospital diagnosis to her final days, became more than a narrative of illness. It became a chronicle of life and meaning, of small joys and overwhelming courage. Through every update, every video, Brie reminded her followers that light persists even in the darkest places, and that love is the most powerful testament to a life lived fully, however brief that life may be.

As the world reflects on her passing, Brie Bird’s life remains a powerful reminder of the human capacity to inspire even when facing the toughest battles. She had a presence that transcended screens and algorithms, reaching into the hearts of those who saw in her a reflection of strength, grace, and the fragile beauty of life itself.