The New York-based content creator had more than a million followers on TikTok and more than 200,000 followers on Instagram and used the platforms to show her daily life coping with the rare cancer and its multiple treatments, including chemotherapy.
In May, she told followers her bile duct cancer had spread to her peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities and protects internal organs.
At the time, her oncologist said he could no longer treat her cancer and told her she should move to end-of-life care. Towle said she did not accept this and looked to continue her fight against the disease.
Despite gruelling treatments, Towle remained optimistic and often shared moments of joy that included dancing and hanging out with friends. On her social media platforms, her bio simply read: “happy to be here”.
Just weeks ago, she walked the runway in a swimsuit at Miami Swim Week for The Chemo Club x Post Swim show, which she described as “a dream come true”.
“We are so proud of how hard Sydney fought and for sharing her journey with so many people,” her family said in a statement.
“She wanted to raise awareness for rare cancers and was passionate about promoting self-advocacy. We will continue her legacy and honour her in every way we can.”
Followers have shared their tributes to Towle, praising her for the positive way she took on her diagnosis and treatment.
“That 26 year old sweet girl made more of an impact on the world than most people will do in their lifetime. I will never ever forget her. You raised a beautiful human mama,” one follower commented on TikTok.
“Sweet angel. Fly high. Praying for all who loved her. She is really something special,” actress Alyssa Milano wrote.
“I’ve never felt so deeply heartbroken for a loss of someone I’ve never met, what a beautiful soul syd was. It’s been an honour following your journey,” another TikTok user said.
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