Sydney Towle was candid about her cancer diagnosis before her death at age 26.
In August 2026, the content creator’s family shared that she was in hospice amid her battle with a rare cancer of the bile ducts known as cholangiocarcinoma. Days later, the family shared that Towle died.
“We will always love you so much, Sydney. I am so proud of how hard you fought. I love you,” read a post shared via Towle’s Instagram account at the time, alongside a photo of Towle with the message, “Rest in Peace. Sydney Elizabeth Towle. November 15th 1999 – August 5th 2026. An endless ray of sunshine. A daughter, sister, and friend to so many.”
Scroll down to learn more about Towle:
Sydney Towle Graduated From Dartmouth
Towle majored in government and environmental studies at Dartmouth. She graduated in 2022.
Sydney Towle Was Diagnosed With Cancer in 2023
In 2023, Towle felt a bulge and burning sensation in her stomach that led to an urgent care visit. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts. Towle subsequently had surgery to remove her gall bladder and part of her liver.
One year later, Towle moved to the East Coast for treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after a recurrence of the cancer in her liver.
“I almost had an idea it was cancer,” she told People in 2025 while reflecting on her diagnosis. “We all know our bodies pretty well. And when this started happening, I just had a feeling. When I went in for the ultrasound and they found the solid mass, I told myself, ‘Honestly, yeah, I’m just going to have to accept that this is probably cancer.’ So when they actually said it, I wasn’t really shocked.”
Sydney Towle Relocated to New York City After Cancer Diagnosis
Towle was living in Los Angeles when she was diagnosed with cancer. She subsequently moved to the East Coast, sharing in a video that she had “always wanted to live in New York City and life is short, as I’m constantly reminded.”
While reflecting on leaving behind her life in Los Angeles, Towle shared, “I was just thinking about that quote: ‘How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’”
Sydney Towle Documented Her Cancer Journey for Her Followers
The influencer, who amassed more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok, was candid about her journey with cancer.
“I literally get stopped in the street,” she told The New York Times in 2025. “I’ll get stopped at chemo. I’ll get messages and comments from people being like, ‘You have no idea how the videos you’re posting keep me going.’”
Sydney Towle Walked Miami Swim Week Runway
Days after saying she refused her doctor’s suggestion to start end-of-life care for cancer, Towle walked the Miami Swim Week runway.
“Another dream come true walking for @postswimofficial x @thechemoclub for Miami Swim Week 🩷,” she wrote via Instagram in June 2026. “Thank you so much @lauren_yerkes and @totallie_aob for letting me be a part of such an incredible experience and an even more incredible group of women !!!”
