BrookLynn Shirley Benefit Page

04/06/2026

🌿 For anyone who would like to join us from afar 🌿

BrookLynn’s Celebration of Life service will be streamed live tonight at 5:00 PM here on her page.
If you can’t be with us in person, you’re welcome to join us in spirit and honor her from wherever you are.

Thank you for the love, prayers, and support you’ve shown our family.

04/02/2026

BrookLynn Lee Shirley, “BrooknBear,” born on October 31, 2015, left this world on March 31, 2026, wrapped in the love of her family after a brave four-year battle with Ewing Sarcoma. She spent her entire life in Amarillo, surrounded by a family who adored her and a community who loved her fiercely.

BrookLynn saw the world with bright, thoughtful eyes. She was beautiful, sweet, strong, smart, kind, and compassionate. She carried a quiet, unwavering bravery, even on the hardest days. Her wit and sass could spark a smile in any room, and her loving heart made everyone around her feel seen. She was articulate, imaginative, and talented in ways that made the world around her feel bigger and more magical. BrookLynn dreamed of becoming a world-renowned surgeon one day — a goal that reflected both her brilliant mind and her desire to help others.

A proud 4th grader at Highland Park Elementary, BrookLynn loved learning—especially when she could build something new, solve a tricky math problem, or dive into a science experiment that made her eyes light up. She adored arts and crafts, video games, reading, traveling, and playing “Would You Rather” with the people she loved. She was a tender friend to every creature, big or small, and she felt most at peace near the ocean, listening to the waves.

BrookLynn loved her friends deeply. She cherished their laughter, their games, their whispered secrets, and the comfort they shared. Above all else, she loved her family with a devotion that will forever be remembered.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Granny & Papaw Shirley, GG & Grandpa Flanigan, Mamaw & Papaw Hobbs, and Grandpa Kimball; her grandparents, Grandpa Shirley and Grammy Sharon, and her cousin, Braedon Carmack.

She is survived by her parents, Austin and Jeanette Shirley, and AmberLynn Shirley and her partner Brandon Campsey; her brother Gavin Canady (wife Kensey); Nana & Grumpy, Ron and Linette Hobbs; Grandma Kathryn Shirley; Papa Ray; her aunts Sarah Shirley, Christa Gutierrez (husband Jeremy), Bree Lester (husband Kaide), Sydney Tapp (husband James); and her uncle Billy Shirley (wife Victoria). She is also survived by her many cousins—Christy, Nichole, Megan, Jeremiah, Jonah, Jazlyn, Vinni, Violette, Sadie, and Elizabeth— her nephew, Knox— and her sisters Charcy & Kayzli.

Though her time on earth was far too short, BrookLynn’s life was a testament to courage, tenderness, and joy. She taught those around her how to love deeply, how to find beauty in small things, and how to keep going even when the road is steep. Her light will continue to shine in every memory, every story, and every heart she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 6th at 5:00 PM at Life Church, 8600 Canyon Dr. in Amarillo.

If you loved her, prayed for her, laughed with her, or carried her in your heart, we would be honored to have you join us as we remember her joy, her strength, and the incredible bravery she showed every single day. She faced more than most ever will, and she met it all with a courage that inspired everyone around her.

BrookLynn loved the colors red and turquoise, and if you feel moved to wear them in her honor, we would love that. Please don’t feel obligated—your presence is what matters most.

Read full obituary and share memories on our website:
https://lighthousefunerals.com/obituaries/brooklynn-lee-shirley/

04/01/2026

Please join us as we celebrate the life of our precious BrookLynn — a girl who loved fiercely, shined brightly, and changed every life she touched.
Her Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 6th at 5pm at Life Church in Amarillo.

If you loved her, prayed for her, laughed with her, or carried her in your heart, we would be honored to have you there as we remember her joy, her strength, and the incredible bravery she showed every single day. Our girl faced more than most ever will, and she met it all with a courage that inspired everyone around her.

In honor of her spirit, we ask everyone to wear red or turquoise, the colors she loved most — the colors that felt like her.

03/31/2026

Our beautiful girl, BrookLynn, passed away last night.
She was here at home, wrapped in love, held close just the way she always wanted.
She fought with a strength and a fire that amazed everyone who knew her — every single day she showed us what true courage looks like.

She is finally whole now. No pain. No fear. Just peace — the kind she deserved all along.
And even through this heartbreak, I’m holding onto the comfort of knowing she is happy and free.

Thank you to everyone who has walked this road with us, prayed for her, loved her, and lifted us up when we could barely stand. Your love has carried us more than you know.

We will be holding her memorial this Monday. I’ll share more details soon for anyone who would like to come and honor our girl.

03/30/2026

You know… I used to see other moms posting updates during the worst moments of their lives, sitting beside their babies in their final days, and I wondered how they found the strength to share any of it.
But now I understand.
You all have walked this entire road with us — the good, the bad, and the downright unbearable — and these updates aren’t for sympathy. They’re because you’ve loved our girl right alongside us.

Tonight, as I sit here in the quiet with cartoons playing softly in the background, watching BrookLynn sleep, I can’t help but reflect on the time I’ve had with her. God knows it wasn’t enough… it would never be enough. But I wouldn’t trade a single moment for anything in this world.

Yesterday we learned that she has clots in her lungs. Because of her counts — and because cancer is cruel in ways words can’t explain — there’s nothing they can do to treat them. So we are home, keeping her comfortable, surrounding her with love, and soaking up every breath, every touch, every second.

They’ve given us a timeline… but if you know our girl, you know she has never cared much for timelines. She has always done things her way. Still, we are at the end of this journey.

I’m asking — one more time — for prayers for our girl. Pray that she is peaceful, that she is comfortable, and that she feels nothing but love as she spends her final moments wrapped in the arms of those who adore her most.

Thank you for loving her. Thank you for loving us.

03/28/2026

Please keep BrookLynn in your prayers.
It’s been a rough week for her, and our hearts are feeling every bit of it. We’re leaning hard into faith right now and asking for peace, comfort, and calm to surround her in a way only God can provide.

For those who have prayed for her before, checked in, or quietly lifted her up without saying a word — thank you. Your love means more than you know. If you have a moment today, please send up another prayer for strength, rest, and gentle days ahead for our girl.

02/25/2026

Hi family and friends,
It has been a crazy couple of weeks, and I want to thank every single one of you for standing beside us and sending so much love and so many prayers our way. We feel it, and it truly keeps us going.

Brook has a long road ahead of her as we work to help her regain her mobility. We were told they aren’t sure how much she’ll be able to get back, but every single day I see progress in her. She has never been someone you can count out. She is tough, stubborn, determined, and an absolute miracle. At this point, nothing she does surprises me.

At her last appointment, we were told some difficult things—that her condition is terminal, and that we don’t know how much time to expect. The truth is, we already knew this. None of us are promised tomorrow, so we choose to live every day to the fullest. And if you know Brook, you know she doesn’t let anyone tell her what she can or can’t do. As long as she’s fighting for her miracle, we’ll be right beside her praying for it.

We now have PT and OT set up to help her work on her mobility—or, if needed, to help us learn how to navigate things in new ways. One step at a time, one day at a time.

Yesterday we were in an accident on the way home. A driver on his cell phone pulled out of a parking lot and hit us. We took Brook to get checked out before continuing, and while she’s sore (we all are), she is okay. My car is pretty banged up and will definitely need repairs, but it still drives, and it could have been so much worse. We’re grateful it wasn’t.

Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts, for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers. Please keep them coming—we feel every bit of it.

02/19/2026

Hi family and friends, I wanted to share an update on our girl.

BrookLynn is doing better. She finished radiation on the tumor in her spine yesterday, and over the next several weeks it should continue working a little more each day. We’re already seeing some beautiful progress — she has regained full bladder function, which is such a blessing. She’s working hard with PT and OT to rebuild her strength as she slowly regains movement in her legs. She still can’t bear weight yet, but we believe she’ll get there, LORD willing.

We’ll be getting braces for her legs to wear overnight to help stretch everything out so she won’t have to work quite as hard to get things moving again. She’s also getting extra nutrition through her IV, and the difference has been incredible. We’re staying a few more days to let it give her an even bigger boost before we head home, hoping it makes things easier to maintain once we’re back.

She had her PET scan on Monday. While there wasn’t a dramatic change, there was enough for us to decide to shift her treatment plan. It’s scary, but a year ago we didn’t think we’d even be here — so I’m putting all my faith in God and trusting her doctors as we search for the next best thing. My dad and I always say, “Someone has to be first… why shouldn't it be her.” Every single day with her is a miracle, and she has already gone further than anyone imagined.

Please continue praying for our girl —
For the tumor in her spine to keep shrinking,
For her to regain full mobility,
For her strength to keep growing,
For her appetite and nutrition to continue improving,
For this new treatment to do exactly what she needs,
For the doctors guiding her care,
And most of all, for a complete healing miracle.

She is a fighter, and we will keep fighting right alongside her.

02/16/2026

Today is a big day for our girl. BrookLynn is having a PET scan to see how her cancer is responding to the chemo.

If you have a moment, please send prayers, good vibes, strength, light—whatever your heart speaks. We’ll take all of it. Our girl deserves every ounce of love the world can offer.

A small prayer for today:

“God, wrap Your arms around BrookLynn today. Guide the hands and minds of her medical team. Let the scan bring clarity, hope, and healing. Fill her with peace, and steady the hearts of those of us who love her. We trust in Your strength when ours feels small. Amen.”

Thank you all for lifting us up. It means more than you know.

02/13/2026

Well, I’ve been holding off on an update because overall, things had been pretty steady for BrookLynn. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas, she’s been doing amazing in school (all A’s!), and for the most part she’s been holding her own.

In January she started mentioning some back pain, so the scans that were originally scheduled for April were moved up to mid‑February—the earliest they could get her in. Then she began having trouble moving her legs and just feeling weaker, so we arranged to start physical therapy. She had her consult on Monday and we were hopeful it would help her regain some strength and confidence.

But early yesterday morning everything changed. She woke up with no control over her legs. She could move her feet and toes, but she couldn’t stand. When she needed to p*e, she had the sensation but couldn’t go. We went straight to the ER. They placed a catheter (bless her heart, she really did need to go), and they did an MRI.

The MRI showed a tumor on the thoracic section of her spine that was pinching the nerve and causing all of these symptoms. Within a few hours we were med‑flighted to Dallas. Once we got here, things moved quickly in a good way. We got settled into a room, talked with her oncologist, and were sent straight down to radiation. Ewing sarcoma responds really well to radiation, so the hope is that shrinking the tumor will relieve the pressure and give her back her mobility and function.

She was mapped yesterday and will start radiation later today. They don’t do treatments on weekends, so she’ll continue the remaining four sessions starting Monday. They also gave her a big dose of steroids last night to help with swelling. Her scans are supposed to be next Friday, and chemo the following Monday, but those may shift depending on how things go.

Everything is still very up in the air, even though this is the best‑case scenario. Austin and Jeanette, and my mom and dad all drove down yesterday to be with us because we didn’t know what the outcome would be.

She’s frustrated, and of course she’s wondering “why me,” but she is handling this with so much grace. She’s talking, laughing, and staying her sweet self through all of it.

We need all our prayer warriors right now. Please pray that this can be reversed, that she gets her mobility back, that her pain eases, and that she finds peace and understanding through all of this. Pray for good results. Pray for our girl.

11/12/2025

In my haste to update everyone about BrookLynn last night, it was brought to my attention that I don’t always explicitly acknowledge the other half of her family. This isn’t intentional—I suppose I assumed phrases like “friends and family” naturally encompassed everyone. Over the years, BrookLynn has gained an incredible extended family through Austin, Jeanette, and their loved ones, and I’ve been blessed to call so many of you friends.

When Bree created this page, its purpose was to raise awareness about BrookLynn’s medical journey and help with the overwhelming expenses of travel and care. But it’s grown into so much more. While it still serves those needs, I also strive to share her milestones, joys, and everyday triumphs—not just the challenges of her diagnoses.

Recently, I realized some of my posts might unintentionally come across as though I’m navigating this alone or seeking sympathy. That’s the last impression I want to give. The truth is, BrookLynn is surrounded by love: my family, Austin, Jeanette, their wonderful families, and all of you who’ve become part of our story.

I’ll work harder to use “we” instead of “I,” because this journey isn’t mine alone—it’s ours. WE have an incredible village, WE are endlessly grateful for your support, and WE wouldn’t trade this community for the world. Thank you for standing with us, always.

Send a message to learn more

11/12/2025

Update #2: The Miracle Rock Garden Rises!

We are constantly praying for BrookLynn’s miracle, and we know so many of you are praying alongside us. While we feel like every single beautiful day we share with her is, in itself, a small miracle, there is still one big, monumental one we are relentlessly asking for: that BrookLynn is healed and completely cancer-free.

Recently, my mom and I came across an old fable that sparked a new, tactile way for us to focus our intentions. The fable states that if you were to paint a thousand rocks with focused intention, you would be granted a miracle. (I’m still tracking down the original story and will share it in the comments when I find it!)

We knew immediately what we had to do.

This isn't our first rodeo with painted rocks. We’ve painted and hid them everywhere—in Dallas, at hospitals, at truck stops—just to spread a little unexpected joy. But these rocks, these 1,000 rocks, were different. They are entirely dedicated to BrookLynn’s healing.

We were determined to create her own personal Miracle Rock Garden, right down to how many a week we both needed to paint in order to be done in a year.

We got to work. Nana, bless her heart, was painting circles around me, and still is! She has made some truly beautiful, heartfelt pieces. With winter quickly approaching, I laid them out carefully on my bookshelf at home. We wanted to protect these prayers on stone until the spring, when we could eventually display the full garden.

Then came a turning point we never could have anticipated.

One of our amazing home nurses came for her shift, noticed the growing collection of colorful stones, and asked about the project. When I explained the fable and the intention behind the 1,000 rocks, she asked if her team could help.

I told her, unequivocally, absolutely. Any love, any prayer, any hope that comes to BrookLynn will never be turned away.

This is where things went utterly and beautifully crazy.

What started as a labor of love between our family quickly became a powerful, community-wide project—an outpouring of support that I never expected and for which I could not be more grateful.

Groups from all over our area heard the call and showed up with paintbrushes in hand. We are overwhelmed to share that amazing teams from BSA Hospice, Amarillo National Bank, Canyon Highschool, and potentially others we don't even know about yet, have all spent time painting rocks for our girl. (I am having a hard time tagging them so please feel free to share this with those groups for me.)

The results are absolutely amazing. Every single rock is a tiny, powerful monument to hope.

Are there 1,000 yet? We don't know for sure, but we are definitely close! And frankly, we don’t think we’re going to quit painting anytime soon. The act itself is a constant reaffirmation of faith.

(Side note: If you have never painted a rock before, I cannot begin to tell you how therapeutic it can be. Definitely give it a shot—it’s good for the soul.)

We wanted to share this beautiful collection with all of you. This isn't just a pile of stones; it’s a physical, tangible representation of the prayers, love, and hope being sent to BrookLynn every day.

I know I say it so much but Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to every incredible person who has added their art and their intentions to BrookLynn’s Miracle Rock Garden. Your love is the true foundation of this garden, and we are praying fiercely that it leads us straight to our miracle.