Whenever Diem Brown embarked on a unique "Challenge" journey, the tireless and exuberant eight-time competitor made an indelible mark as she went for the top prize -- all while making special bonds with her fellow cast members outside of the game.

The Medgift founder, who courageously fought cancer for nearly a decade and lost her battle in November, would have been 35 years old today. In honor of the beautiful soul's milestone occasion, D's MTV family took to social media to pay tribute to the woman they had the pleasure of knowing through the years:

Paula Beckert

"Today is @diembrown birthday and this is how I will remember her...taking every ounce of life to the extreme. Whether it's a costume party, a dance party or no party, Diem celebrated with every breath. I miss my friend. But today is a day for smiles, hair whips and splits. I know she is in heaven, watching over us, bringing her spirit to us when we need it most, and just making sure we are doing ok. Well Diem, we are ok, but dammit life was just a lot more fun with you here. Your legacy lives on thru #medgift and the millions of moments you have blessed us with. For everyone with a dented heart, please find peace and love today on Diem's birthday. Share your pictures and stories. Hug your people extra tight. And light a candle, sing happy birthday and make a wish for our dancing angel. Forever loved, always remembered #diemstrong"

Heather Marter

Jasmine Reynaud

Nia Moore

"Happy bday beautiful. How's paradise treating ya?? Girl we miss u so much and talk about u often. I still have your face saved as my screen saver. I love it when strangers see it and say "Omg u knew Diem?!" Haha. I love this pic of u too, and the shirt you wore that day we arrived to Panama. I remember our long conversations on the 5 hour bus ride to the house, and how you gently grabbed by arm before we got off and said "Nia, let's make sure we get a room together, cool?" ☺️ I was so excited and shocked on the inside. You were the cool, beautiful older veteran whom all the girls probably wanted to room with, and the fact that you asked me and @avereytressler to room with you was a honor to us haha. I'm so proud of you babe. Your legacy is one that continues to grow and will never die. Continue to shine your light on the world. I love you."

Tori Fiorenza

Trey Weatherholtz

Jess McCain

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL PLEASE make a donation to @medgift to help celebrate @diembrown 's Birthday today. We all know she would have loved to see everyone giving from their hearts to celebrate her courageous life journey

You're no longer with us to celebrate this day but know we're down here missing you each and everyday.

You taught us many lessons, how to fight, smile and live,

You taught us how to dance, to love and to give.

You left a trail of laughter and smiles in your wake,

You'll never be forgotten @diembrown what a difference your life did make.

Missing you like crazy, strive to live like you everyday @diembrown writing this is bringing me to tears. So proud of you, always looked up to you @diembrown Happy Birthday Angeldance in the heavens.

#HAPPYBIRTHDAYDIEM #RIP #angel @medgift #mtv"

Wes Bergmann

Jemmye Carroll

Happy birthday angel girl... Dance the night away with knight.... Forever loved. Forever the heartbeat of our family.

CJ Koegel

We miss you, D. Share your favorite Diem memories in the comments, and relive the dancing queen's tremendous spirit in the video below: