Key Takeaways
- Deborah is courageously battling stage 4 cancer as of now.
- She uses her TikTok account to share updates about her treatment and experiences.
- An accidental injury from a waiter led to a CT scan that revealed her cancer.
Deborah Finck, a self-taught artist, loving wife, and mother of six children (three sets of twins), is courageously battling stage 4 cancer.
She actively shares updates about her treatment and hospital experiences on her TikTok account.
In a recent post, she discussed undergoing procedures to alleviate complications from her illness, like draining fluid from her lungs.
She regularly speaks about the hardships of living with advanced cancer, gratefully acknowledging her followers’ support and the importance of appreciating each moment.
In a touching TikTok update on January 7, 2025, Deborah reminded her followers:
Always be happy, don’t be sad Because life is really really good
Via TikTok
@deborahfinck I love the life I had ! I enjoyed every minute of the life I had! #cancersucks🎗 #cancer #csncertok #lifeisgood #strength ♬ original sound – Deborah Finck
On March 11, 2020, Deborah was diagnosed with stage 3 Leiomyosarcoma of the pulmonary artery, an extremely rare cancer with fewer than 300 cases worldwide.
For months, she suffered from symptoms misdiagnosed as bronchitis, asthma, and COPD, causing non-stop coughing and extreme fatigue.
Later, a casual dinner took a critical turn when a waiter accidentally broke Deborah’s rib, leading to a revealing CT scan and her immediate hospitalization.
After navigating early medical confusion, she began a vital treatment plan at the University of Pennsylvania, including a high-risk cardiac surgery that, surprisingly, was completed in four hours.
Despite a 5-10% survival chance, Deborah survived, undergoing a painful six-week recovery and intense chemotherapy sessions every three weeks.
Amidst these trials, the COVID-19 pandemic added isolation and further hardship, necessitating strict quarantine to protect her weakened immune system.
Yet, Deborah’s resilience, supported by her husband Paul and their six children, remained strong.
Recognized for her giving nature, the community has shown robust support financially and emotionally, evidencing her profound influence on them.
Moreover, a fundraiser organized by a close friend successfully surpassed its $60K goal, demonstrating strong community support for Deborah.
Supporters continue to share messages of admiration and encouragement, reflecting the profound impact of her journey with one writing:
I have smiled, laughed and cried watching and listening to dozens of your stories. Keeping all of you in my prayers and close to my heart. I am sad and sorry you are going through this. Your courage is humbling. God bless and watch over all of you.
Via GoFundMe
Another wrote:
Thank you for being such a positive and inspiring person. You have left a beautiful impression on the world! I hope you can feel us all holding your hand. Sending you much love and prayers from another mom of twins.
Via GoFundMe
On November 17, 2024, Rosanna shared another update, where Deborah has faced both immense challenges and significant victories over the years.
She underwent a second open-heart surgery and a lung removal, encountered rare post-surgery complications, and has battled through extensive treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Despite being declared disease-free at one point, her cancer returned, leading to non-surgical treatment aimed at improving her quality of life.
Currently, Deborah is undergoing intensive radiation in a New York hospital to manage complications from tumors obstructing blood flow to her heart.
Throughout her ordeal, she has maintained a positive outlook, supported by her family and friends, and has shared her journey on TikTok under the username ‘deborahfinck.’
Deborah reminds us to appreciate life, saying:
Smile. It’s a beautiful day to be alive.
Via GoFundMe
At this moment, she is actively fighting her cancer battle.
Deborah and her husband, Paul, have a vibrant family life with six children. Their family includes adopted siblings Alexandra and Amanda, fraternal twins Stephen and Katarina, born through in-vitro fertilization, and naturally born twin boys Daniel and David.
Each child has pursued a unique path. Currently, Amanda is completing her PhD, Alexandra works as a sight solutions analyst, Stephen is an operations senior specialist at New York Life, and Katarina has carved out a niche as a social media influencer and marketer.
Meanwhile, Daniel recently earned his Master’s in Business Administration, and David is making strides as a computer engineer.
Deborah met Paul when she was just 11 years old, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship.
Paul is currently employed as a dental equipment salesman.
Reflecting on her family’s support, Deborah shared:
I live for my kids. My kids and my husband—they keep me alive. My kids have been amazing, they are always there for me. They’ve been saying goodbye to me every time I go to the hospital, they think it’s the last day.
Via Newsweek
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Deborah was born in 1966 and is originally from Brookfield Center, Connecticut.
- She pursued her higher education at Hunter College, where she obtained both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in statistics.
- At the age of 25, she experienced significant memory loss due to an accident where she was struck by falling scaffolding and a crane.
