26 Year Old Newburyport, MA Born TikTok Influencer Has Died of a Rare Cancer

This is so sad.  Sydney Towle, born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, but grew up in Florida, has died of a rare form of cancer, according to WMUR.

Sydney, or Syd, was a ray of sunshine.  If you followed her on TikTok, you know that she was as real as they come.  Syd shared the ups and downs of going through chemotherapy, always sharing her positivity and bright light.

Syd was diagnosed at the age of 23 and shared her life not only as someone who is going through this terrible experience, but also as a voice of hope for others who are going through something similar.

The New York Marathon was in Syd's sights in November of 2026 to raise money for the cholangiocarcinoma foundation.  She previously raised $10,000 for the organization.

What Exactly is Cholangiocarcinoma?

 According to Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, the type of cancer Syd had is also known as bile duct cancer.  2 out of 3 people who are diagnosed with this is 65 years of age or older.

This news comes to me on the anniversary of my newphew's death.  He was 27 years old and, like Syd, way too young to leave this world.  Although it is very, very hard to lose someone who has just started their life and had so much to give, they serve as a reminder of putting positivity and love into this world, no matter how long we have.

If you knew Syd or if you've experienced that kind of loss, you know how painful going through life without them is.  I am a big believer that when a person dies, however, that they never really die.  They are still around.  I had to learn that lesson for real when my Mother died.  Where is she?  Where did she go?

We are made of energy and energy never dies.  Plus, I do believe that when it comes our time, we go back home.

Rest in Peace, Syd.  Thank you for all you gave to the world.