Deborah Finck, a wife and mother of six, spent five years battling a rare and aggressive cancer that went undiagnosed for months. What began as a persistent cough and fatigue eventually revealed itself through a freak accident — a broken rib led to a scan that uncovered a tumor in her pulmonary artery.
Doctors finally diagnosed her with leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer affecting only about one in 100,000 people. Deborah underwent a high-risk open-heart surgery and, with the encouragement of her daughter Katerina, began documenting her journey on TikTok and Instagram.
Her honest and heartfelt videos quickly resonated, building a community of over 800,000 followers. Through humor, raw honesty, and love, Deborah shared both the challenges and joys of life, inspiring countless people worldwide.
As her health declined in late 2024, Deborah entered hospice care and continued making memories with her family. In one deeply emotional moment, Katerina tried on wedding dresses at home so Deborah could experience the milestone with her. Deborah left a heartfelt message for her daughter, a final gift filled with love and hope.
Deborah passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at age 57. Her legacy lives on through her family and the online community she built, proving that even in the hardest of times, connection and love can light the way forward.