Sydney Towle, a 26-year-old model, has been moved into hospice care just weeks after making her runway debut at Miami Swim Week. She is surrounded by family and friends as she continues treatment for a rare form of cancer.
Cancer Battle Since 2022
Towle has been battling cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive bile duct cancer, since 2022. The disease is rare and typically affects older adults, making her diagnosis particularly uncommon.
Her brother, Austin Towle, shared the news in a TikTok update on Tuesday, August 4. Alongside a photo of family and friends around her hospice bed, he wrote: "Sydney has been moved into hospice and is surrounded by her friends and family. Thank you for all your love and support."
Sharing Her Journey
Since her diagnosis, Sydney has documented her cancer journey on social media, amassing 1.1 million TikTok followers. Her videos covered everything from chemotherapy sessions to quiet walks in New York City.
She explored clinical trials, including preparing for tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy when the cancer spread to her lungs and stomach. Despite a doctor advising her to prepare for end-of-life care, she sought a second opinion and worked with specialists to manage her condition enough to travel to Miami.
Runway Debut and Support
At Miami Swim Week in May, Sydney walked the catwalk in adaptive designs tailored for post-cancer bodies and surgical scars. She described the moment as one of the proudest and most empowering of her life.
Following the news of her hospice care, fans have expressed their support. One wrote: "Rest, Syd. Love you so much. You changed the world." Another said: "She helped me through my own cancer journey. I'm near the end of it. Thank you, Syd."
What is Cholangiocarcinoma?
Cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, can occur anywhere in the bile ducts, which connect organs like the liver and gall bladder. It is not always clear what causes it, but risk factors include age over 65, abnormal bile ducts, long-term bowel or bile duct swelling, liver parasites, bile duct stones, or liver cirrhosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, itchy skin, darker urine and paler stools, loss of appetite, weight loss, feeling unwell, tiredness, or a high temperature. Some people may have no symptoms at all.
