Hundreds Mourn Brevard Girl, 10, Who Fought Rare Brain Cancer

A Celebration of a Fierce and Vivacious Life

Brittany Sleeth stood at a lectern before hundreds of people, whispered “oh God,” took a few deep breaths and then squeezed the pendant around her neck. The pendant, a gift from a friend, pulses when squeezed to mimic a recording of Sleeth's daughter's heartbeat. This small but powerful object gave her the strength she needed to eulogize her daughter, Vivian.

Vivian, who was 10 years old, passed away on July 15 after a three-year battle with a rare form of brain cancer known as DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma). Doctors initially told Sleeth that her daughter likely had six to nine months left and advised her to "go home and make memories." Instead, Vivian fought the deadly disease for more than three years, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

A Day Filled with Love and Memories

On July 29, roughly 300 people gathered at First Baptist Church Merritt Island to celebrate the life of this fierce and vivacious little girl. Many attendees wore clothing decorated with two of Vivian’s favorite things: the color blue and dinosaurs. The event was a heartfelt tribute to a child whose spirit shone brightly even in the face of adversity.

Vivian captured the hearts of many shortly after her diagnosis in June 2022. She became a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring those around her with her unwavering determination. Sleeth shared stories about Vivian’s constant desire to help others, a trait that began when she was very young. She would often carry cash to tip people or give money to those she thought needed it, saying, “Mommy, they need it more than I do.”

Even in her final months, when her vision blurred and she needed assistance walking, Vivian continued to show her generosity. About two months before she passed away, she was honored at an event in Melbourne Beach. While the crowd socialized, an exhausted Vivian sat on the ground. Someone gave her candy, and with what strength she had, she reached out to give some to a young girl standing nearby. “Even in her final days she still never complained,” Sleeth said. “She apologized for the things I had to do for her.”

A Light That Never Dimmed

Sleeth spoke about her daughter’s ability to light up a room and make friends with anyone. This was evident in the overwhelming support from the community. Several law enforcement departments were present at the celebration of life, including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Rockledge Fire Department, and Titusville Police Department. Vivian had dreamed of one day becoming a police officer, and she was sworn in as an honorary deputy, firefighter, and police officer, eventually being promoted to honorary chief.

Titusville Police Chief John Lau delivered an emotional speech about Vivian, saying, “She truly crawled into each and every one of our hearts. Thank you for sharing Vivi. She will always be a part of our family.”

A large contingent from Vivian’s school, Viera Elementary, was also in attendance. Teachers, administrators, and students shared memories of Vivian, cried together, and hugged each other. Principal Adrienne Schwab recalled the “firecracker” she met back when Viera Elementary first opened and Vivian was entering kindergarten. “Her love for life was absolutely contagious,” Schwab said, pausing to compose herself before finishing her sentence.

She went on to say how Vivian gave the biggest hugs, loved fiercely, and was always the heart of her class. “She changed lives, including mine,” Schwab said. “Vivian will continue to shine in the halls of our school. She will forever be a falcon and never ever be forgotten.”

A Lasting Legacy

Personalized music written about Vivian played while mourners viewed a slideshow of photos from the little girl’s short life. There were photos of her as a toddler making silly faces, tons of pictures of Vivian with her arms wrapped around her big brother Corbin, and dozens of pictures of her flexing her muscles—even when her body was showing signs of cancer.

“She often reminded me, ‘Mommy, everyone has to die. When God is ready for me, I’ll be ready,’” Sleeth said, squeezing the pendent around her neck. This moment encapsulated the strength and grace that defined Vivian’s life. Her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her, reminding them of the power of love, kindness, and resilience.