22-year-old TikTok personality Leah Smith, who utilized the platform to chronicle her battle with a rare form of cancer, has passed away.
Smith, hailing from Woolton, Liverpool, succumbed to Ewing’s sarcoma on Monday, a type of cancer typically afflicting children and young adults.
With over half a million followers, Ms. Smith shared her daily struggles with the disease on TikTok, garnering immense support from her audience.
After her partner Andrew Moore announced her demise on her page, tributes flooded in, remembering her fondly and vowing to keep her memory alive.
In a heartfelt video message, Moore expressed, “I want to see everyone speaking about Leah and how amazing she is and how much she helped everyone. We’ll never let Leah be forgotten.”
He also conveyed Ms. Smith’s gratitude for the supportive comments she received throughout her treatment, emphasizing their significance.
Ms. Smith, who initially complained of back pain, later lost sensation in her left leg, prompting the discovery of her condition, as she disclosed on the video-sharing platform in 2020.
Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer typically affecting individuals aged 10 to 20, manifests with symptoms such as worsening pain, swelling, and tenderness, according to the NHS.
Ms. Smith’s TikTok post received over 60,000 messages of encouragement for her and her loved ones.
Her brother Liam expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, underscoring its impact on their family.
Among the comments, one follower praised Ms. Smith’s strength and resilience.
Her close friend Vikki extended gratitude for the support she received, reflecting on her profound love for Ms. Smith.
Initiating her TikTok journey, Ms. Smith aimed to share her experiences and provide insight into living with cancer, showcasing both the highs and lows of her journey.
Many of her videos resonated with audiences, amassing over a million views.