A social media star who looked “pregnant” due to a rare cancer has tragically died aged just 29.
Liao Dayan had been battling Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT) – an aggressive and extremely rare cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen.
The disease caused her stomach to swell dramatically as tumours grew inside her body, pushing her abdomen outward in a way that resembled late-stage pregnancy.
READ MORE: Influencer dies after crashing car into tree
Despite the devastating symptoms, Liao often joked about her appearance, earning her a huge following online.
She died on Friday (17 April) after a three-year fight, surrounded by her heartbroken family, as reported by Need To Know.
The influencer, from Hunan Province in China, was diagnosed in September 2022.
Rather than suffering in silence, she bravely documented her journey on social media – sharing everything from gruelling chemotherapy sessions to the emotional toll of losing her hair.
Her raw and honest videos quickly went viral, turning her into a symbol of hope for millions.
Fans affectionately nicknamed her the “Sunshine Girl” for her positivity in the face of such a brutal illness.
Her brother confirmed the tragic news in an emotional tribute.
He wrote: “Our beautiful Dayan has earned her wings.
“She fought until the very last breath.”
He also thanked her “online family” for their “unwavering love”, saying their support helped carry her through her darkest moments.
Just days before her death, Liao shared a final video that has since gone viral.
She told followers: “Don’t be sad for me, I’ve lived more in these three years than most do in a lifetime.
“Life is not measured by its length, but by the light we bring to it.”
Health experts have since praised her for raising awareness of rare cancers like sarcoma.
One medic said: “She was a one-woman awareness campaign, she showed the world that cancer doesn’t have to be a secret.
“By sharing the clinical realities of sarcoma, she bridged the gap between patients and the public, advocating for better understanding of rare malignancies.”
At the time of her death, Liao had amassed around 2.4 million followers on Douyin.
Her campaign is believed to have sparked a rise in donations towards rare cancer research across East Asia.
She is survived by her parents and brother.
A private memorial service was held in Changsha City, where she was remembered as a trailblazer in patient-led health awareness.
READ MORE: Woman, 36, dies after ‘dream’ three-in-one plastic surgery abroad
