BOSTON, MA. (THECOUNT) — Sydney Towle, 26, the TikTok creator who inspired more than 1.1 million followers by documenting her battle with the rare cancer cholangiocarcinoma, died Thursday following a three-year fight against the disease, her family announced.
Towle, a Dartmouth College graduate, shared much of her cancer journey from New England while building a worldwide audience through candid videos chronicling her treatment, setbacks and determination to remain hopeful.
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Her family confirmed her death Thursday in a social media post alongside a photograph of Towle smiling during a hike.
“We will always love you so much Sydney. I am so proud of how hard you fought. I love you,” the family wrote.
The announcement came just two days after Towle’s brother, Austin Towle, revealed in a TikTok video that she had entered hospice care and was surrounded by family and close friends.
Towle was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the bile ducts, in 2023 after discovering a lump protruding from her abdomen. Rather than keeping her diagnosis private, she chose to openly document her treatment, hospitalizations and daily life, becoming a source of encouragement and education for cancer patients and supporters around the world.
Her honest and optimistic videos helped her build an audience of more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok, along with more than 212,000 followers on Instagram. Many followers praised her resilience and positivity as she shared both the physical and emotional realities of living with cancer.
Approximately two weeks before her death, Towle posted an update explaining she had been undergoing tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy as part of a clinical trial. She told followers she had been largely absent from social media because of constant pain but remained hopeful while spending the previous month hospitalized.
Beyond social media, Towle continued pursuing opportunities to raise awareness for cancer patients. In June, she appeared during Miami Swim Week, walking in Post Swim’s “The Chemo Club” collaboration, and also partnered with the lifestyle brand Aerie, using her platform to advocate for resilience and body confidence throughout treatment.
Friends, fellow creators and supporters flooded social media with tributes following news of her death, remembering Towle for her courage, warmth and willingness to help others facing similar diagnoses. Her story resonated with millions by bringing attention to cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer that often goes undetected until advanced stages.
Towle’s family has not yet announced funeral arrangements or memorial service details.
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