Millena Brandão, an 11-year-old actress known for her role in the SBT children’s show "A Infância de Romeu e Julieta," tragically passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, in São Paulo. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news via social media, stating, "Our girl has gone. We will share more information soon." Millena's untimely death was attributed to a 5-centimeter brain tumor that resulted in multiple cardiorespiratory arrests during her hospitalization.
Millena was initially admitted to the Unidade de Pronto Atendimento Maria Antonieta (UPA) on April 29, 2025, after experiencing recurrent headaches. Her condition quickly deteriorated, leading to her transfer to the Hospital Geral de Grajaú on May 2, where she suffered 12 cardiorespiratory arrests. The medical team confirmed her brain death at 4:55 PM on the same day.
According to her mother, Thays Brandão, the family was initially led to believe that Millena was suffering from dengue fever due to her symptoms, which included severe headaches, leg pain, and extreme fatigue. However, further examinations revealed a mass in her brain. Thays expressed her disbelief about her daughter's condition, stating, "We do not want to believe that this is happening."
The actress's health began to decline rapidly following her diagnosis. After fainting at home, she was taken to the UPA, where tests ruled out COVID-19, dengue, and influenza. A urine test indicated a possible infection, but imaging studies ultimately led to the discovery of the tumor.
During her hospitalization, Millena was intubated and sedated, and she did not show any neurological responses. The medical team made every effort to stabilize her condition, but despite their best efforts, she could not be saved. The hospital released a statement affirming that all medical protocols were followed and that they provided ongoing support to the family during this difficult time.
The news of Millena's passing sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, where she had amassed over 140,000 followers. Colleagues and fans alike shared their condolences and expressed their sorrow over the loss of such a young talent. The family had also organized an online fundraising campaign to assist with medical expenses, raising over R$ 13,000.
Millena Brandão’s career began at a young age, and she gained recognition not only for her role in "A Infância de Romeu e Julieta" but also for her appearances in advertising campaigns and the Netflix series "Sintonia." Her family, including her father, Luizinho Mourão, and her sister, Alice, mourn her loss deeply. Luizinho shared a touching message, saying, "Go with God, my girl, daddy loves you."
The tragic story of Millena Brandão is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that childhood illnesses can have on families. As the community comes together to remember her, many hope that her story will raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of serious health conditions.
