Influencer Sydney Towle dies at 26 after rare cancer battle

Content creator Sydney Towle, who inspired millions by documenting her battle with a rare form of cancer, has died at the age of 26. Her family announced on August 6 that she passed away a day earlier following a three-year fight with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts.In the days following her death, an emotional clip from a 2025 podcast interview has resurfaced online, with many calling it a powerful reminder of the legacy she leaves behind.Sydney Towle's final message: 'Treat people with kindness'During an appearance on journalist Danielle Robay's Question Everything podcast in November 2025, Towle was asked what she would say if it were her final day on Earth."I've actually thought about this before," she said. "Like, if I were to make one more video, what would I say and it was my last video?"She continued, "I think I would just remind people... to treat people with kindness. That is literally the biggest thing that I could tell anyone. Just treat people with compassion, empathy and treat people the way that you want to be treated."Acknowledging that the message might sound simple, Towle added, "We never know what someone is going through. If you could spread a little bit of kindness, a little bit of positivity goes such a long way for someone else... That's the thing that I would always tell people."The clip has since resurfaced across social media, with thousands of users sharing her words in tribute.Family announces her deathAnnouncing her passing on Instagram, Towle's family described her as "an endless ray of sunshine.""We will always love you so much Sydney. I am so proud of how hard you fought. I love you," the family wrote.In a statement shared with TODAY.com, her loved ones said they were proud of her courage and the awareness she created for rare cancers."She wanted to raise awareness for rare cancers and was passionate about promoting self-advocacy. We will continue her legacy and honor her in every way we can," the statement read.Her brother recalls her final daysSpeaking to People, Sydney's brother Austin Towle shared that she entered hospice care after her cancer progressed to a point where treatment was no longer possible."It was so far along that there was no choice but to go to hospice," he said, adding that the family's priority was keeping her comfortable.Austin revealed that although Sydney had hoped to spend her final days at home, her condition made moving impossible.He also recalled that when doctors explained she would enter hospice, "She didn't get sad. She was very at peace. She was like, 'Okay, I understand.' I think she had just been so exhausted up to that point."She inspired millions during her cancer journeyTowle was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma at just 23 and openly documented her treatment across social media, where she built an audience of more than one million followers.She underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy treatments and clinical trials while continuing to advocate for cancer awareness.Just months before her death, she walked the runway at Miami Swim Week, modelling swimwear designed for post-cancer bodies despite battling stage 4 cancer.Remembering his sister's resilience, Austin said her life was guided by one motto from Finding Nemo: "Just keep swimming.""I want people to know that it's never over until it's over. Don't give up hope, no matter what. She never did," he said.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.