TikTok Star and Mom of 6 Dies of Rare Cancer at 57, One Day After Sharing Tearful Final Post About Not Wanting 'to Go Anywhere'
Deborah Finck was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma five years ago. The 'Nanny 911' star and her family documented her cancer journey online as it progressed
Katerina Finck/Instagram
Deborah Finck and her daughter, Katerina.TikToker and Nanny 911 star Deborah Finck has died at age 57 after five years of living with leiomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer.
Her daughter, Katerina, announced Finck's death on Tuesday, Jan. 14 with posts on her TikTok and Instagram accounts, which boast over 680,000 followers between platforms. Katerina — who is one of Finck's six children, whom she had in three sets of twins — has been posting online about her mother's cancer journey since 2020.
Katerina uploaded a number of older and more recent photos of her with her mom to share the news of her death. She began by addressing Finck, "To my mommy, my best friend, my sunshine—thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You were the most beautiful mother and the best mommy anyone could ever ask for," wrote Katerina.
"You taught me strength, courage, bravery, and what it means to truly love and never give up. You believed in me, stood by me, and showed me the meaning of unconditional love," the caption continues. "You will always be remembered, never replaced. You were the sunshine of my life, and every time I see a sunflower, I will know you are here with me. 🌻."
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She directed any donations in Finck's honor to the Ronald McDonald House, which offers support and accommodations for sick children and their families.
"Thank you to everyone who loved my mommy and showed her kindness. Your support means the world to us," Katerina's post concluded.
Before her death, the late reality star posted video updates from her own social media accounts, which had over 800,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram. In her final video shared on Monday, Jan. 13, Finck responded to a fan who explained how her story has helped him cope with his severe depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidal thoughts.
"It meant a lot to me that you shared that," she said to the camera. "I sit here and I think, 'Why me? ... What have I done in this world to make a difference?' And maybe this was my purpose."
Finck continued in her emotional TikTok, "You have a lot to live for. You have a lot of people still out there for you, and I don't want to go anywhere either. I really don't."
In the final few weeks of her life, she made videos to say goodbye to her kids and her husband, Paul. In December, she told her followers about a sweet tradition they upheld throughout their decades-long marriage.
"My husband always tucks me in bed at night," she said nearly a month ago. "Even before I got sick, it was a thing where he stayed up late nights working, and he would always tuck me in bed and kiss me. But I was just brushing my teeth, and he was hugging me while I was brushing my teeth, and he said to me, 'I just want to hug you forever.'"
Finck admitted that she "lost it" after hearing her husband say those words. She tearfully continued, "Pauly, I love you so much. I want to keep those hugs forever, and I'm not giving up. I just want you to know, thank you for everything. Thank you for a wonderful life."
On Wednesday, Paul posted about his wife's death on his personal Instagram and TikTok, where he talks about his family and professional business strategy.
"Deborah was my partner in every sense of the word—my confidant, my rock, the love of my life, and my eternal soul mate. Together, we built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories I will cherish forever," Paul wrote beside a young photo of them together.
"Deborah, my love, you were my everything, and losing you is a pain I cannot put into words. But I will carry you with me in every step I take, every decision I make, and every moment I live," he continued. "Rest now, my love. Your battle is over, and you are free. Until we meet again, you will always be in my heart."
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