Very sad news today from the social media universe:
Maddy Baloy, a TikTok user who spent the past few months chronicling her journey with terminal cancer, has died.
She was 26 years old.
“Madison passed away peacefully last night,” the star’s fiancé, Louis Risher, told People magazine in a statement on Thursday, May 2. He added that she was “surrounded by love” at the time of her death, telling this outlet:
“She is so special. I actually turned 27 yesterday. I held her hand all day and that was all I needed.”
Baloy began struggling with stomach problems in the summer of 2022 and then spent more than a year changing her diet in hopes of alleviating the discomfort.
However, in early 2023, she repeatedly vomited blood and developed sensory problems.
After a doctor’s visit and numerous tests, Baloy was later diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer – and given a maximum of five years to live.
“What I thought would be a simple trip to the emergency room for a common stomach ailment turned into the most devastating ruin of my life in terms of health, spirit and finances,” she wrote on a GoFundMe page last year.
This happened shortly after Baloy found out about her illness.
“Since my cancer diagnosis a few days ago, I have already undergone two surgeries and am now facing chemotherapy and will need more surgeries in the near future,” she added at the time.
From there, Baloy joined TikTok because she felt “alone and isolated” after her diagnosis, and used the VERY popular platform to document everything she was going through at the time.
In one of her most-watched film clips, Baloy named 19 of her 20 things on her wish list… ranging from a tattoo with her grandma to a “beautiful wedding” to meeting chef Gordon Ramsay, who eventually met with her in February 2024.
As you can see above, Baloy also joined actor Taylor Lautner and his wife on an episode of their podcast a little over two months ago.
“My heart is bursting to see so many people reaching out to me asking for help,” Baloy wrote on her GoFundMe account.
“As I now require 24-hour care, Louis and I will not be able to work now and finances will be extremely tight. Every amount donated will be a blessing. If you can’t help financially, prayer is perfect.
“Please continue to cheer on my little family of Louis and our little one, Binks. I have no idea what the future holds, but thanks to YOU I have an amazing support system and I’m ready to fight.”
Maddy Baloy leaves behind Risher; her mother, Carissa Talmege; and her stepfather Lucky Talmege.