She is from Maryland and has amassed a large following on sites such as Instagram and TikTok by capturing her travels and sharing insights into her life.
Before her illness, Yaffe had a contagious attitude, sharing moments that represented her colorful personality.
She routinely shared her preferred skincare routines, fitness regimens, and outfit choices, giving her fans insight into what kept her motivated and inspired.
Her material struck a chord with many people, and she immediately became a source of inspiration for her followers, not just for her health journey but also for her general positive attitude.
This message resonated with her followers, who went to social media to offer their condolences after her passing on October 11.
“Rest in peace, you were so young,” one follower said, while another added: “You deserved far more than the time you were given.”
A third tribute states, “This is devastating to hear. Rachel, you were such a bright light and beautiful person. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us.”
Yaffe revealed in one of her sad writings, just before her death, that she felt weak following radiation therapy.
Despite her difficulties, she kept a positive attitude, saying, “Finding the little joys helps me stay motivated even on my worst days.”
Yaffe had enormous hurdles, which started when she was 20 and sensed something was wrong with her health.
Initially suspecting she had gluten sensitivity, she sought medical assistance, which led to a referral to a specialist.
In a sad twist, she was diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, an incredibly uncommon kind of liver cancer that affects just approximately 200 people worldwide each year, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Doctors detected a 20-centimeter tumor in her liver and diagnosed her with stage four cancer.
Yaffe’s road through therapy was difficult.
Although she had surgery to remove the tumor, the cancer reappeared a few months later, spreading to her liver and lungs.
Throughout her seven-year fight, she tried a variety of treatments, combining traditional medicine with alternative therapies in her search for health.
In July, she made a significant diet change, switching from a plant-based vegan diet to a ‘more keto carnivorous diet’ based on fresh advice from her doctors.
She shared her reasons for the change with her supporters: “After going what I’ve been through and re-evaluating my blood work with my new practitioners, we found out that I was pretty deficient in some of the nutrients that I really needed from proteins and fats, so I’m actually leaning more into the keto carnivore diet, which is so new for me.”
Her last social media post was on September 1.
Speaking to her TikTok fans, she said: “I’m back in New York and I’m back in my apartment that makes me so happy to be in my own space again, but honestly it has not been easy being back here.”
“I’m so grateful to be back in my space be surrounded by my friends. That alone has been really helpful for me mentally. I lost so much of my strength when I was getting radiation and I’m starting from day one.”
“It’s been so hard for me to get up and force myself to move so I’m working on doing that, thankfully it’s easier to walk around here being in the city.”
Yaffe continued: “Plus I’m working really hard to stick to a very strict food regimen for cancer healing that is also taking up a lot of energy.”
“I am occasionally at a pretty low appetite so it’s been a little bit difficult both physically and mentally but I’m working on really just focusing on the small things that bring me joy and really, really prioritizing my mental health as well.”
“That’s kind of the update of where I’m at right now.”
Despite the great obstacles she encountered, Yaffe stayed committed to sharing her story and the lessons she learned along the way.
Her dedication to recording her life fostered a feeling of community among her followers, who were inspired by her strength and optimism.
Yaffe’s death is a great loss, not just for her family, but also for the many people who were moved by her narrative.
According to her obituary, she is survived by her parents, Linda and Wayne Yaffe, as well as her siblings, Jordan and Jessica, who will cherish memories of her vivacious energy.
Rachel Yaffe died after a protracted struggle with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, a rare liver disease that affects just a few people every year.
