Sydney Towle, a 26-year-old [1] TikTok influencer, was moved into hospice care on Aug. 4, 2024 [4].
Towle has used her platform to document her struggle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer. Her transition to hospice care marks a shift in treatment focus toward comfort and quality of life as her disease progressed.
Her brother, Austin Towle, announced the move on Sunday. He said Sydney has been moved to hospice and is surrounded by her friends, and family.
Towle has fought the disease for three years [2]. During her journey, she built a significant online presence, amassing 1.1 million followers on TikTok [3]. Her content provided a window into the realities of living with a rare malignancy and the physical toll of long-term treatment.
In a statement regarding her current condition, Towle said, "I’m trying to preserve my energy."
Austin Towle expressed gratitude to the online community for their support during the crisis. He said, "Thank you all for your love and support."
Towle is currently receiving care at a hospital in the U.S. The move to hospice care follows a prolonged period of medical intervention to combat the rare cancer.
“Sydney has been moved to hospice and is surrounded by her friends and family.”
The transition of a high-profile patient like Towle to hospice care highlights the aggressive nature of cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer that is often difficult to treat due to its rarity and late-stage detection. Her experience underscores the role of social media in providing visibility to rare diseases, allowing patients to find community and awareness while navigating end-of-life care.
