Influencer Brielle 'Brie' Bird, who died of cancer aged 9, talked about Christmas with her mum in her last hours
A young social media star had been talking about Christmas just hours before she died of cancer, her mum has revealed.
Brielle "Brie" Bird died aged nine earlier this month after living with a recurring form of neuroblastoma cancer for five years.
Brie and her family had gained more than one million followers across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok by sharing updates on her life and health journey under the username ‘Brie Stronger Than Cancer’.
A week after Brie’s death, her mum Kendra returned to social media to tell fans about her daughter’s last hours of life. “One week ago from this very moment, we were having regular conversations,” she wrote. “We talked about what finishing touches you were going to make on your Christmas list, why Annie was an orphan (since we watched it the night before), and sleeping in your room on Christmas Eve. An hour later, you had fallen asleep, and we never heard your voice again.”
Speaking further about the moment Brie passed, she said: “I laid by your side, as dad sat next to your bed. We both held you, as your body transitioned, whispering all the things we’ve told you for 9 years. ‘You’re amazing! You are so loved. You have changed the world. It’s such a privilege to be your mom.’ ”
She ended her heartbreaking statement to say she doesn’t understand God’s plan to take Brie. “Brielle, our home will never feel the same. We will continue to dance in your honor, we will always serve those around us, and we will tell the world about the goodness of God,” she said. “Though I don’t agree with or understand His plan right now, we do know that you are no longer in a broken body, and finally able to run; run straight to Jesus.”
Brie died on Thursday December11, her family announced on Instagram.
Alongside a photo of her, they wrote: "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!
“We will look for you in all the details, especially the dragonfly’s. We will never stop sharing your story. 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, Kendra told their followers that doctors found an 8-centimetre tumour in Brie's abdomen and the cancer that had spread to her back.
About two years later, Brie was told she was cancer free, but her neuroblastoma returned in January 2024. She then entered a hospice in early July 2025.
Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that affects boys and girls mostly under the age of 5 years old. It usually starts in the abdomen area. Around 100 children between the ages of 0 and 14 years are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.
Brie would have turned 10 in February. Many of her heartbroken fans of left messages of condolence on Kendra’s latest post. One said: “I’m completely broken hearted seeing this. She is a ray of sunshine that inspires us all.” Another said: “This is a beautiful tribute to an amazing young lady!! Sending so much love.”