The 9-Year-Old Girl Who “Defies Gravity”

Brie Bird, just 9 years old, is a little girl with a heart as fierce as her spirit. A fan of Wicked and facing the hardest battle of her life, Brie is courageously fighting stage 4 cancer. When doctors thought she wouldn’t make it to November, the cast of Wicked held a private family preview for her in September, knowing her time might be short.

But Brie’s story is one of unexpected miracles—this weekend, she’s still here, still fighting, and still holding on as she waits for the official release of the film she adores.

Though too weak to attend the theater, Brie’s joy was contagious as she sang along to Wicked songs, her voice filled with hope and happiness. She spoke about the film with a smile that radiated strength, as if nothing could dim her light. And she wasn’t alone in the love and support—Ariana Grande sent her gifts, and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, sent Brie a heartwarming message, telling her she hoped Brie could “fly.”

Brie’s health has continued to decline, and her family even celebrated Christmas early, savoring each moment as if time was a precious gift. But even in the face of this heartbreaking journey, Brie remains full of dreams. On November 24, while making a stuffed animal, she whispered three wishes:
“The cancer goes away, I walk again, and I become a mom.”

With every breath she takes, Brie fights with love and strength far beyond her years. Her resilience is unmatched, and despite her small size, her impact is monumental.

Brie Bird isn’t just surviving—she’s defying gravity, proving that the human spirit can soar even in the most difficult of circumstances.