Image 1 of 6 ▼

A little boy who wanted to live to see one more Christmas has lost his battle with cancer, but not before he got to see the love and generosity of people around the world.

%INLINE%

App users: View full article here

We learned 6-year-old Brantley Dobbs died Wednesday of an inoperable tumor on his brain stem.

Brantley lived with the tumor for 20 months, well past most children who doctors diagnosed with the disease.


The Hiram boy’s story went viral as friends of the family started an effort around Thanksgiving to brighten the holidays for him and his family.

%INLINE%

The kindness of strangers from around the world helped light his Christmas season, one ornament at a time.

When FOX 5 talked to the family before Thanksgiving, Christmas was in full swing inside the Dobbs home, and Brantley couldn't have been more excited.

It was a welcome distraction from the family's challenges of home hospice care.

Every day Brantley got to open presents from all over the world filled with special Christmas ornaments.

It all started when a friend of the family posted on social media that Brantley loves the holiday, and gifts started pouring in.

"In an hour, she had 200 comments," said Jamie Dobbs, Brantley's mom, at the time.

%INLINE%

Each day ornaments arrived from around the world, reminding the little fighter that he was loved and supported, and giving his family Christmas memories they'll cherish for a lifetime.

Hospice Atlanta released the following statement on Thursday about Brantley’s death:

“Brantley's family sends their heartfelt gratitude for all of the love and support sent their way. The death of a child, especially at this time of year, is incredibly daunting. Please continue sending them love and light thru your thoughts and prayers.”

The family asks that due to the overwhelming response of ornaments, anyone wanting to honor Brantley to please make a donation in his honor to Hospice Atlanta Pediatric Program, 1244 Park Vista Drive, Atlanta, 30319.