Rachel Yaffe, a beloved figure on TikTok, has tragically passed away at the age of 27 following a courageous battle with a rare type of liver cancer. Her death on Friday, October 11, was made public through an online obituary that revealed the details of her funeral services, which will be held privately in Maryland.
Yaffe’s journey with cancer began when she was just 20 years old. In an emotional TikTok video from April 2023, she recounted how a physician, who was familiar with her, sensed something was amiss despite not feeling anything during a physical examination. After urging her to seek further investigation, an ultrasound unveiled a significant 20-centimeter tumor on her liver, which was ultimately diagnosed as malignant.
Describing the diagnosis, Yaffe identified it as a particularly uncommon form of adolescent liver cancer. Following the initial discovery, she was assured by her surgeon that surgery would resolve the issue, and she hoped for a smooth recovery. Unfortunately, her cancer returned and escalated to stage 4, spreading to both her liver and lungs.
Throughout her illness, Yaffe documented her treatment experiences on social media, sharing her struggles and small victories with her followers. In a September video, she candidly admitted how difficult it had become to move around, and during her recovery, she relocated back home with her parents for support while undergoing proton therapy. As she navigated the physical toll of her treatment, she expressed gratitude for the importance of her support system and the motivation it provided.
Despite her challenges, Yaffe continued to stay optimistic, posting about her journey in hopes of inspiring others facing similar battles. She recently expressed her joy at being back in New York City after treatment, though she acknowledged the hurdles of reacclimating to her previous routine.
In her obituary, Yaffe’s family requested that those wishing to honor her legacy consider contributing to Experience Camps, a nonprofit that supports children dealing with grief. She leaves behind not only her family—including her parents, siblings, and grandmother—but also her cherished dog, Layla. The news of her passing has resonated deeply with her fanbase, as well as the broader social media community, who admired her strength and heartfelt candor during such a challenging time.