Second grader Brielle Bird, 9, has the voice of a songbird. Brielle is currently battling cancer, stage 4 neuroblastoma, for the second time following a relapse in January 2024. And despite her physical challenges, she did not let it stop her from auditioning for her school's talent show.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Brielle sang "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman, just a few days after receiving bad new from her doctors. "When you’re tired, I’ll keep fighting for you!" Brielle's mom Kendra wrote in the video's caption.
Brielle dressed up for the audition. She wore a sweet powder blue dress with bows, knee-high socks and Mary Jane style shoes with a matching headband. She sings from her heart, belting out "A Million Dreams" while holding a lantern.
Her mom Kendra shared more about Brielle's battle with captions in the video as she sang. "We got some pretty devastating news a couple days ago. Brielle's cancer is spreading, with a new tumor growing in her pelvis," she wrote. "Chemotherapy is no longer working, nor do they have any other options."
Despite this, Brielle was determined to audition for her school's talent show. "She has been planning to audition for the school talent show for weeks. She was not going to let her aching leg stop her from making this happen. I tried to carry her into the school, but she shook her head 'no'," she wrote.
In an amazing show of strength, she made her way into school. "She limped into the school, and down to the music room. Though a little nervous, she sung her heart out. And I cried my eyes out," she added. "Brielle, you are changing the world. You are my hero! 9 years old, fighting cancer for the second time, and bringing people to their knees. Keep fighting. And when you're tired, I'll keep fighting for you!"
The emotional video got a rousing response from viewers. "I need @thehughjackman to see this, 😭" one wrote. Another commented, "What a beautiful job she did. I hope your sweet Brie feels nothing but pride and all the love we here are sending both of you. 💕💕💕" And another viewer added, "Sobbing. Brielle you are so special & Brave. What a beautiful voice! A perfect audition 💕 We are sending all our love and prayers to your family 🙏🏻"
And there is good news: Brielle made the talent show! In a follow-up video on Instagram, Brielle found out the good news by looking at a list at school.
Brielle was initially diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma when she was just four years old in 2020, according to Rally Foundation. She spent the next two years undergoing multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and stays in the hospital. For 22 months, she was in remission. However, the cancer came back in January 2024, and she continues to fight it to this day.
Birelle is the oldest of four siblings, and loves to do craft projects and dance. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. And she also loves music and singing. If you would like to support Brielle's healing journey, you can check out her Support Now page here.
It wasn't even February, so she wasn't expecting what came next. 
The hug came first, the 'yes' took a few moments more. 
Image Source: Joshua Potash | Reddit 
