‘So young’: TikTok star dies from ‘rare cancer’ at age 27
A popular creator who amassed a following after being diagnosed with a “rare” cancer at age 20 has tragically lost her battle.
A popular TikTok star who documented her journey after being diagnosed with a “rare cancer” has tragically died at age 27.
Rachel Yaffe, from the US state of Maryland, was diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma – a unique liver cancer that only affects around 200 people in the world each year – at age 20.
She began sharing her “healing journey” shortly after her diagnosis, amassing over 60,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok.
But after a seven-year battle with the rare disease, she died on October 11, her recent obituary reads.
Shortly before her death, Ms Yaffe shared a poignant final update on social media about feeling weak post-radiation treatment, in which she maintained her positivity.
“Finding the little joys helps me stay motivated even on my worst days,” she captioned the video.
The clip has since been flooded with messages from fans sharing their condolences after Ms Yaffe’s death hit headlines in the US.
“Rest in peace, you were so young,” one said.
“You deserved far more than the time you were given,” shared.
As another declared: “This is devastating to hear. Rachel, you were such a bright light and beautiful person. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us.”
Ms Yaffe was diagnosed with the extremely rare liver cancer, which typically affects young adults, at age 20 after initially suspecting she was gluten intolerant, she said in an earlier video.
But after visiting a doctor, she was referred to a specialist who discovered a 20cm tumour in her liver, giving her the devastating news she had stage four cancer.
The tumour was removed, but the cancer made a comeback just a few months later, spreading to her liver and lungs.
Ms Yaffe tried to fight the cancer with a mix of conventional medical treatments to alternative medicines.
In July she told followers she was switching from a plant-based vegan diet to a “more keto carnivore diet” after new advice from her doctors.
“After going what I’ve been through and re-evaluating my blood work with my new practitioners, we found out that I was pretty deficient in some of the nutrients that I really needed from proteins and fats so I’m actually leaning more into the keto carnivore diet, which is so new for me,” she said, according to The Mirror US.
As well as documenting her health battle, Ms Yaffe also shared the things that get her “up, moving and energised” throughout her health journey.
These included videos about her favourite skincare and exercise routines.
She also shared her favourite fashion looks and moments with friends.
She is survived by her parents, Linda and Wayne Yaffe as well as her brother Jordan and sister Jessica.
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