Influencer Jessica Daugirdas Dies at 35 After Brave Three-Year Battle With Cancer

26 January 2026

The online creator community was shaken by the death of Brazilian social media influencer Jessica Daugirdas, who died on January 25, 2026 at the age of 35 after an arduous three-year battle with colorectal cancer that she courageously shared with her followers. Daugirdas had amassed more than 100,000 followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok by chronicling her journey with honesty and grace, turning her personal struggle into a source of inspiration for others facing illness, uncertainty and the challenges of life with a serious medical condition.

Her family announced her passing on her official Instagram account in a deeply heartfelt statement written in Portuguese that described her as a “warrior,” noting that “God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken our warrior to be with Him after she fought bravely until the end with strength, faith and courage.” They concluded the message with a verse from the Bible, 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” encapsulating the resilience she demonstrated throughout her illness. The announcement sent waves of sympathy through the global online communities who had followed her updates for years.

Daugirdas’s journey with colorectal cancer began in 2023, when she noticed persistent symptoms such as constipation and occasional blood in her stool, which she initially attributed to minor health issues. A colonoscopy later revealed a rectal polyp, and she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 32. Rather than retreat from public life, she began documenting every step of her treatment, hoping that sharing her experience might educate, encourage and connect with those facing similar health battles far from the spotlight. Her content ranged from frank discussions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to candid reflections on emotional pain, surgical procedures and the adjustments she made to daily life.

She did not shy away from showing the realities of living with an ostomy bag after surgery, and her posts often included thoughtful explanations, supportive messages and practical advice. In late 2023, she reflected publicly that the grueling year had been the most difficult of her life, but she also spoke about the importance of relying on loved ones and leaning into community support when the physical and emotional toll of her treatments grew heavy. “For me, this was more painful than knowing I had cancer,” she wrote at one point, referring to the vulnerability of needing help with the simplest aspects of daily living.

In the days before her passing, Daugirdas’s sister Gabi shared updates indicating that Jessica had been hospitalized with a severe case of sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can occur when the body’s response to illness becomes overwhelming. She was being treated and monitored closely, but the intense complications ultimately proved insurmountable. The family’s announcement of her death was met with an outpouring of grief and gratitude from fans around the world, many of whom expressed that her transparency and courage had helped them through their own struggles. Comments on her posts spoke to how deeply she had touched people’s hearts, with messages thanking her for her strength, her smile and the hope she offered through her online presence.

Daugirdas’s impact was not limited to her disease narrative. She used her platform to promote awareness about symptoms and early detection, encouraging followers to pay attention to their bodies and seek medical advice when something felt wrong, no matter how trivial it might initially appear. Her willingness to share the less glamorous aspects of illness, hospital visits, side effects, vulnerable reflections and setbacks made her content relatable and deeply human in a digital space that often values only highly polished portrayals of life. Followers admired her ability to balance authenticity with positivity, even on days when her energy waned or her pain intensified.

In many of her most poignant posts, she interwove themes of faith, hope and resilience, encouraging viewers to lean into their support systems and affirming that asking for help is a strength rather than a weakness. Her fight touched the lives of people across different countries and backgrounds, drawing comments from followers who said her honest storytelling had helped them feel less alone amidst their own health challenges. Many described her as a light in difficult times, someone whose brave documentation of suffering and perseverance offered comfort and connection.

Her legacy will live on not only through the videos and posts she shared but through the community of people she inspired to speak openly about health, vulnerability and the day-to-day realities of chronic illness. For survivors, caregivers and fellow creators, Daugirdas was a reminder that even in moments of deep suffering, there can be meaning, connection and shared understanding. She leaves behind her husband, her family and a wide circle of digital followers who mourn her passing but celebrate her life and the strength she displayed until the end.

Daugirdas’s death underscores the profound role that influencers play in reshaping conversations about health and human experience. Her willingness to invite the world into her journey transformed the way many people think about illness, social media and authenticity in a digital age. She will be remembered for her courage, her openness and the compassion she showed to others navigating their own trials. As supporters continue to share their memories and condolences, her voice captured in videos of laughter, reflection and heartfelt messages will remain a testament to the power of resilience and community in the face of life’s greatest challenges.