A TikToker has passed away following a seven-year struggle with a rare form of cancer. Rachel Yaffe, 27, died on Friday, October 11. Throughout her battle, she shared her journey on social media.
At 20, the Maryland native from Lutherville was diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, a rare cancer affecting about 200 young adults worldwide annually.
Initially thinking she had a gluten intolerance, Rachel’s cancer was discovered when a specialist found a 20cm tumor in her liver, already at stage four. Although the tumor was removed, the cancer returned within months, spreading to her liver and lungs.
Her last post on Instagram, where she had 7,000 followers, and TikTok, with over 54,000 followers, was on September 1.
In her TikTok update, Rachel shared: “I’m back in New York and my apartment. It makes me so happy, but honestly, it hasn’t been easy. I’m grateful to have my friends around me, which has been helpful mentally. I lost a lot of strength during radiation and am starting from scratch. It’s tough to motivate myself to move, but walking around the city helps.”
She added: “I’m also sticking to a strict cancer-healing diet, which requires a lot of energy. My appetite is often low, making it physically and mentally challenging. I’m focusing on small things that bring me joy and prioritizing my mental health.”
According to her obituary, Rachel is survived by her loving parents, Linda (née Bass) and Wayne Yaffe; her siblings, Jordan and Jessica Yaffe; her grandmother, Sydney Bass; and her beloved dog, Layla.