Dominique McShain, a 21-year-old social media influencer from New Zealand, has passed away following a courageous battle with terminal colorectal cancer. Known for candidly sharing her journey on TikTok, McShain used her platform to educate others and bring visibility to a disease rarely discussed among young adults.
Her death, confirmed by People magazine on April 23, comes just weeks after she shared a final, emotional update with her followers on April 6, stating she had entered end-of-life care. Though the exact date of her passing remains unknown, McShain’s final post reflected a profound sense of peace, acceptance, and gratitude.
Diagnosed at 20, she turned her struggle into a mission
McShain was diagnosed with incurable colorectal cancer at the age of 20. By the time of her diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to her liver. Despite the grim prognosis, she dedicated her remaining time to raising awareness about early-onset colorectal cancer, amassing more than 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram.
In what would be her final post, she wrote with striking clarity and emotion:
“My life may be short, but I genuinely think I’ve squeezed every bit out of it. I won the lottery with a family that loves me unconditionally, friends who would 10000% donate a liver to me or do anything they could and the sweetest husband Sean, who’s been my rock through everything.”
Finding peace in the face of pain
In the same post, McShain shared her reflections on life, death, and the afterlife.
“Recently, I’ve been picturing heaven often — a place where I’ll finally be free from the pain that’s been with me for so long. I imagine myself without the constant suffering, no longer needing medication just to survive the day. I’ll be able to run, to breathe, to feel whole. Though it will hurt to leave you all behind, please know that I will finally be out of pain, and I will be at peace,” she wrote.
Love in the shadow of loss
A psychology student before her diagnosis, McShain saw her academic and personal plans upended by her illness. Yet, she continued to live with purpose, marrying her partner, Sean Suson, and honeymooning in Thailand in December 2024 — a love story that, by her own words, had to be rushed.
“The privilege of getting to grow old was taken from me, like so many life experiences. But one thing I could do, which was normal in life, was get engaged and get married,” she reflected.
Dominique McShain’s story is one of profound resilience, love, and advocacy. Through her vulnerability and openness, she offered strength to others facing similar battles and left behind a legacy of compassion, awareness, and unshakable courage.