Nine year old social media star Brie Bird dies after five year battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma, leaving a legacy of courage and inspiration

14 December 2025

Brie Bird reclines in a chair in a shot posted to social media. Instagram/@briestrongerthancancer

The social media community and fans around the world are mourning the heartbreaking loss of nine-year-old influencer Brielle “Brie” Bird, who died on December 11, 2025, after a long and courageous struggle with stage-4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer that she battled for five years. Her family shared the sad news in a deeply moving Instagram tribute, celebrating her life as a light to others, a testament to unbreakable spirit and faith even in the face of immense challenges. Brie’s story of strength, love and resilience touched the hearts of hundreds of thousands of followers who watched her journey unfold on social media over the years.

Brie first captured public attention in 2020, when she was diagnosed with a large tumor and stage-4 neuroblastoma, a rare and serious pediatric cancer that often affects the nerve tissue associated with the sympathetic nervous system. At just four years old, Brie and her family began documenting her treatments, hospital stays and everyday moments on Instagram under the handle @briestrongerthancancer, drawing a devoted following of more than 650,000 people who were inspired by her bravery and infectious optimism. Early in her journey she had celebrated a milestone in 2022 when she was declared cancer-free after intensive treatment, only to face the devastating news that the illness had returned in January 2024, forcing her and her family once again into a grueling cycle of hope and heartbreak.

Her mother, Kendra, openly shared the emotional toll of hearing that the cancer had come back, writing at the time that no parent should ever have to tell a child that their cancer had returned. In one poignant memory Kendra recalled how Brie, then seven years old, whispered the devastating remark, “But mom, cancer can kill people,” a moment that laid bare both her innocence and her deep understanding of her own fragile health battle. These heartfelt accounts resonated widely, illustrating how Brie’s journey was marked not only by medical struggle but by emotional depth, awareness and courage far beyond her years.

As her condition worsened in 2025, Brie chose to enter hospice care in July, a decision her family supported with love and compassion. In sharing that choice with followers, her mother emphasized that Brie knew her body and expressed her desire to be at home rather than in a hospital. The family honoured her wish, enabling her to spend her final months surrounded by love, comfort and cherished moments with her siblings and parents. Her home became a sanctuary where her bravery could shine in quieter, more tender ways, reflecting a family’s commitment to dignity and compassion even in the face of inevitable loss.

During this period, Brie experienced a moment of immense joy when pop superstar Ariana Grande sent her a thoughtful care package filled with items inspired by the musical Wicked, including whimsical Squishmallows, nail polish and other delights. Grande also recorded a heartfelt video message in which she praised Brie as “the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe,” sending her love and virtual hugs. This kindness from one of her idols brought immense joy to Brie and her family, creating precious memories that highlighted the impact of connection, generosity and shared humanity even amidst difficult circumstances.

In announcing Brie’s passing on Instagram, her family wrote with profound love and sorrow that she was a miracle whose purpose on earth was fulfilled. They described the privilege of “escorting her home,” and shared that Brie had brought people closer to their faith and shown the world that goodness exists even in the darkest times. Their tribute spoke of leaving her bedroom door open and the playroom light on as symbolic gestures of their enduring connection to her spirit, and they encouraged followers to continue sharing her story so that others might be touched by her courage and grace.

The loss of Brie Bird has sparked an outpouring of love and condolence from followers around the globe, many of whom expressed both grief and gratitude for having witnessed her journey. Comments on social media were filled with heartfelt tributes to her bravery, her unwavering smile and the hope she inspired in countless families facing their own battles. One commenter wrote that their heart ached in response to her family’s tribute, while another noted how Brie’s story brought others to a place of prayer and reflection during the holiday season.

Beyond her online presence, Brie’s legacy is now woven into the broader conversation about childhood cancer, awareness, and the profound intersections of vulnerability and strength. Her public battle underscored the devastating reality of aggressive pediatric diseases like neuroblastoma, and her openness helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by families navigating medical complexities with grace and dignity. Advocates and families affected by childhood cancer have noted how stories like Brie’s offer both solidarity and a reminder of the importance of research, care and community support for young patients and their loved ones.

Brie is survived by her parents, Mitchell and Kendra Bird, and her three younger siblings, including her brother Rixton, who shared that his sister’s fight inspired him to imagine a future in science so that he might one day help conquer childhood cancer. Their family’s devotion stood as a powerful testament to love in action, and their commitment to honouring Brie’s story promises to keep her spirit alive in the hearts of many.

As reflections on her life continue, Brie Bird will be remembered not just for her resilience in the face of formidable adversity but also for the joy, faith and courage she spread to all who followed her journey. She left an indelible mark on the world far beyond her nine short years, reminding millions that even a young life can be an extraordinary gift and a source of inspiration for people of all ages.