Three days after giving birth to her twins, James and Parker, in June 2019, Sterling was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer at age 32. She underwent six months of intensive treatment and was declared cancer-free in April 2020. Three and a half years later, in September 2023, her cancer returned as aggressive stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer.​ On April 16, 2025, Sterling passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a 6-year battle with cancer.

After her recurrence in 2023, her husband Brendan dove into cancer research, establishing a powerful link between cancer prevention and nutrition. Moreover, the research revealed cancer incidence among young adults is rising at an alarming rate. While fighting her own battle, Sterling redirected her focus and became deeply passionate about creating a healthy environment for her kids, committed to nourishing foods, clean living, and holistic health practices. She often said that her greatest mission was to ensure her children would grow up healthy and free from the struggles she faced.

Sterling’s legacy lives on through her vision: to create a lasting, positive impact on children’s health, both at home and in school, by promoting nutritional education, holistic wellness, and a strong foundation for lifelong health.