Brielle “Brie” Bird has died after living with a recurring form of neuroblastoma cancer for five years. The 9-year-old and her family documented her life and health journey with the username @briestrongerthancancer.Brie died on Thursday, Dec. 11, her family announced on Instagram.
“You are the miracle! Your purpose on earth was fulfilled, and it was the most sacred privilege to escort you home,” her family wrote on Friday, Dec. 11. “You brought people to Christ, you showed the world that God is good, and your light shined to all corners of the earth. We love you for eternity!”
The young social media star’s family went on to say they will “never stop” sharing her story, adding, “Please come visit us often. Your bedroom door is always open, and we’ll leave the playroom light on.”
Brie was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in 2020. At the time, Brie’s mother Kendra told their 654,000 Instagram followers that doctors found an 8-centimeter tumor in Brie’s abdomen in addition to the cancer that had spread elsewhere in her back.
About two years later, the family celebrated that Brie was officially cancer free, though her neuroblastoma returned in January 2024. “I hope you never have to tell your child that the cancer is back,” Kendra captioned her post sharing the heartbreaking news.
Brie entered hospice in early July 2025, as Kendra announced to their friends and social media fans. To demonstrate the advanced circumstances of Brie’s condition, Kendra penned a lengthy, emotional caption that recalled an instance when Brie asked not to go to the hospital to receive treatment due to her ongoing pain.
Kendra recalled how her daughter said, “Is it okay if I say no this time? I just want to be home, I don’t feel good when I am there, but I’m scared not to go too.”
Her mom agreed and told Brie she did not have to make the trip to see her doctors and nurses.
“I called the hospital and told them we decided not to come this week,” wrote Kendra, adding, “We want to respect her decision, give her the chance to speak up for herself, and with no promise that it’ll work anyway, I can’t force her to be miserable.”
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances of Brie’s end-of-life care, her loved ones made a meaningful effort to make her final days special. On Aug. 7, she received a surprise package from one of her favorite celebrities, Ariana Grande, who sent Brie several gifts.
The kid-influencer posted a video unboxing the items, many of which were inspired by Wicked and Glinda, Grande’s character in the film. The “Thank U, Next” singer shipped her young fan a collection of plush Squishmallows, nail polish, perfume and more precious presents.
“Thank you so, so, so, so much, Ariana Grande. I love everything in the package that you got, especially the Squishmallows and everything else,” Brie told the camera after marveling at the goods.
The video concluded with a surprise message from Grande, who said that she heard about Brie’s love of Wicked from her mom. Grande concurred and said her “personal favorite” part of the gift was the collection of Squishmallows. “They’re very comfy and very cute,” she added.
“I’ve seen your videos and I think you are the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe. You’re just so incredible, so thank you for being you,” Grande continued. “I’m sending you so much love and many, many, many virtual hugs. I hope this makes you smile, and I’ll speak to you soon. Love you.”
Brielle “Brie” Bird has died after living with a recurring form of neuroblastoma cancer for five years. The 9-year-old and her family documented her life and health journey with the username @briestrongerthancancer.
Brie died on Thursday, Dec. 11, her family announced on Instagram.
“You are the miracle! Your purpose on earth was fulfilled, and it was the most sacred privilege to escort you home,” her family wrote on Friday, Dec. 11. “You brought people to Christ, you showed the world that God is good, and your light shined to all corners of the earth. We love you for eternity!”
The young social media star’s family went on to say they will “never stop” sharing her story, adding, “Please come visit us often. Your bedroom door is always open, and we’ll leave the playroom light on.”
Brie was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in 2020. At the time, Brie’s mother Kendra told their 654,000 Instagram followers that doctors found an 8-centimeter tumor in Brie’s abdomen in addition to the cancer that had spread elsewhere in her back.
About two years later, the family celebrated that Brie was officially cancer free, though her neuroblastoma returned in January 2024. “I hope you never have to tell your child that the cancer is back,” Kendra captioned her post sharing the heartbreaking news.
Brie entered hospice in early July 2025, as Kendra announced to their friends and social media fans. To demonstrate the advanced circumstances of Brie’s condition, Kendra penned a lengthy, emotional caption that recalled an instance when Brie asked not to go to the hospital to receive treatment due to her ongoing pain.
Kendra recalled how her daughter said, “Is it okay if I say no this time? I just want to be home, I don’t feel good when I am there, but I’m scared not to go too.”
Her mom agreed and told Brie she did not have to make the trip to see her doctors and nurses.
“I called the hospital and told them we decided not to come this week,” wrote Kendra, adding, “We want to respect her decision, give her the chance to speak up for herself, and with no promise that it’ll work anyway, I can’t force her to be miserable.”
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances of Brie’s end-of-life care, her loved ones made a meaningful effort to make her final days special. On Aug. 7, she received a surprise package from one of her favorite celebrities, Ariana Grande, who sent Brie several gifts.
The kid-influencer posted a video unboxing the items, many of which were inspired by Wicked and Glinda, Grande’s character in the film. The “Thank U, Next” singer shipped her young fan a collection of plush Squishmallows, nail polish, perfume and more precious presents.
“Thank you so, so, so, so much, Ariana Grande. I love everything in the package that you got, especially the Squishmallows and everything else,” Brie told the camera after marveling at the goods.
The video concluded with a surprise message from Grande, who said that she heard about Brie’s love of Wicked from her mom. Grande concurred and said her “personal favorite” part of the gift was the collection of Squishmallows. “They’re very comfy and very cute,” she added.
“I’ve seen your videos and I think you are the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe. You’re just so incredible, so thank you for being you,” Grande continued. “I’m sending you so much love and
