Brooke Healey, Who Battled Rare Brain Tumor, Dies

She was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in January, a rare, inoperable tumor in the middle of her brain.

Steve Healey and his wife, Stefani, shared regular updates about Brooke's condition in an online journal, including posts about recent complications from a virus. A post Monday morning said Brooke had died and "Stef and I were holding her at her last breath."

The New Providence and Madison communities had rallied around Brooke in recent months.

Family friends, current and former students, coworkers and businesses in Madison helped organize fundraisers and shows of support for Brooke and her family since Brooke's diagnosis in January, including bracelet sales, bowling outings and an event at the Madison Community Pool.

A candlelight vigil was held in New Providence in August, and motorcyclists were just among the many groups to raise money for her plight.

Steve Healey has said the support was amazing.