Santa Maria Sun / News

Orcutt seventh grader loses fight against cancer

By BRENNA SWANSTON

Lexi Brown, a 12-year-old from Orcutt whose battle with cancer drew nationwide attention and support, died on May 4, according to a Facebook announcement by St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School.

TEAM LEXI Orcutt resident Lexi Brown was considered an honorary member of St. Joseph’s girls’ soccer team. Here, she runs out to join the team line up for the prayer and national anthem before a game on Feb. 6, 2015. FILE PHOTO BY SEAN MCNULTY

Brown was diagnosed with fibroblastic sarcoma nearly two years ago, after which she and her family waged a public and well-supported war against her cancer. Friends, family, and community members joined the fight by shaving their heads and wearing purple bracelets that sported the phrase, “fight like a girl.” St. Joseph’s High School’s Make-A-Wish club raised funds to send Brown to Canada for the 2015 World Cup. National publications such as People magazine wrote about Brown’s story. She seemed to have the whole world in her corner.

But on March 16, the “Team Lexi Brown” Twitter account announced “devastating news:” Brown’s latest round of chemotherapy had proved ineffective. The cancer had grown in her lungs. Her heart couldn’t handle further treatment. And less than two months later, her battle ended in Toronto, Canada.

“It is with great sadness on our part that we tell you that our Lexi has completed her earthly journey,” Brown’s school stated in its Facebook announcement. “We are rejoicing that she has made it to her heavenly home. We grieve with her family as we realize those of us left behind will miss her smile, laughter, and love.”