The content creator from Christchurch, New Zealand, had amassed a following of over 200,000 on social media.
Following the heartbreaking news of McShain’s passing, tributes have been flooding in across various platforms.
One fan shared: “You’ve been an inspiration—truly. Enjoy that long run in the sky. Thinking of you.”
Another wrote: “Sweet Dom, your life brought so much joy and light to us all. Sending all my love.”
“RIP, sweet girl,” commented a third.
Another person added: “You will be deeply missed.”
Earlier this month, TikToker McShain shared a heartbreaking update with her followers, revealing that she had only days left to live.
She was diagnosed with colon cancer—also known as colorectal cancer—after noticing warning signs such as blood in her stool, frequent fatigue, and constipation.
Additional symptoms of colon cancer can include diarrhea, changes in the shape of stool, abdominal pain or cramping, and unexplained weight loss.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Colon cancer is the growth of abnormal cells that starts in the colon, which is the first and longest section of the large intestine. The large intestine forms the final part of the digestive system, which processes food so the body can absorb and use nutrients.”
According to a report by the BBC, there has been a troubling rise in cases of colon and other cancers among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s across 24 countries, including the U.K. and U.S. This trend of early-onset cancer has sparked growing concern within the medical community.
One such case is that of McShain, who had been studying psychology when she received a devastating cancer diagnosis. Not long after learning of her illness, she began sharing her journey on social media, quickly gaining thousands of followers.
Initially, doctors estimated she might have up to five years to live. Tragically, she passed away this month, just over a year after her diagnosis.
Her followers were heartbroken when, on April 7, the 21-year-old posted what she called a “final update” on Instagram.
“I want to be direct with you all: this will be my final update on my cancer journey until I have passed away,” she wrote. “I’ve recently been given a prognosis about five days ago of only a few days to a few weeks to live. My life may be short, but I genuinely think I’ve squeezed every bit out of it.”
She said: “I truly hit the jackpot with a family that loves me unconditionally and friends who would, without hesitation, donate a liver or do anything I needed — and probably argue over who gets to help first.
“Lately, I’ve been thinking about Heaven a lot — a place where I’ll finally be free from the pain that’s followed me for so long. I imagine myself whole again, no longer reliant on medication just to get through the day.
“There, I’ll be able to run, to breathe freely, to feel complete. While it breaks my heart to leave you all, please know that I’ll finally be out of pain — and I’ll be at peace.”
McShain reflected that she had experienced “all the classic teenage milestones” and even cherished “big adult moments” — getting married, having a dog, traveling.
“Of course, there are so many meaningful adult experiences I won’t get to have — things I’ll never be or do — and I’ve had to make peace with that,” she wrote.
“But that grief no longer consumes me. Over time, with each doctor’s visit and every piece of bad news, the pain has become less shocking. In its place, I’ve found a quiet acceptance — and a comforting belief that something better is waiting for me on the other side.”
