A Parasitic Slim: Fox News features Troy student's TikTok post

What was meant to be a routine post to make others laugh gave one Troy student a few moments of fame on Fox News this summer.

“I’ll tell you what, being on Fox News was not on my bingo card for 2026,” said Rachel McDaniel, a nontraditional junior studio art major from Troy, Alabama. “I honestly don’t even watch the news.

“If my friends and family hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t have ever known I was on Fox News.”

McDaniel was playing a mobile game of Catan, while ignoring several text messages, when her husband received a phone call that at first left him concerned. Moments later, the couple learned McDaniel’s TikTok had been featured on Fox News after relatives in Georgia recorded the segment and sent it to them.

"My husband got a call on his phone, and he seemed really concerned so my first response was, 'What's wrong? Is everyone okay,’” said McDaniel. “Then he questioned what was said on the phone: 'Rachel is on Fox News?’”

The TikTok joked about how much weight could be lost by contracting Cyclospora, while comparing the parasite’s cost-effectiveness to GLP-1 medications. That joke landed her post a spot on Fox News during a segment on the outbreak.

McDaniel’s goal was never to go viral or gain attention. She said she simply enjoys creating content that makes people laugh, a mindset which she said guided her response after learning about the feature.

“My initial reaction was humor,” McDaniel said. “I made some follow-up videos in response because doo-doo lettuce is funny.

“I like to make people laugh and bring joy so I was happy I could do that.”

McDaniel also found humor in Fox News’ headline “Goodbye Ozempic, Hello Parasite.”

“I’ve never taken a GLP-1 of any kind, but now my claim to fame is joking about intentionally eating bad lettuce to lose a few pounds because it’s cheaper than a GLP-1,” McDaniel said.

While friends and family were surprised to see her featured on national television, McDaniel said those who know her well weren't surprised by the type of humor she posts online. She enjoyed many of the reactions online, including comments from friends.

“Lawd, this is why I should watch the whole video with sound,” one Facebook friend commented.

McDaniel’s TikTok followed a segment on Lil Wayne’s 24/7 joint roller.

“I was not talking about that kind of lettuce,” McDaniel said.

Although she wasn’t directly informed by Fox News about the use of her video, McDaniel took the experience to reinforce her belief in continuing to post online content even when the video may lead to unexpected places.

"The only thing I am surprised by is that there wasn't even a comment, DM, email or like from anyone from Fox News," McDaniel said. "A heads up would have been nice."

McDaniel jokingly describes herself as a "26-year junior." She first attended Troy in 2000 before joining the U.S. Air Force in 2003, serving for 10 years before returning to Troy in 2013. She resumed her studies last fall.

“I’m a big believer in A.B.P. - Always Be Posting,” McDaniel said. “You never know what kind of doors of opportunity will open from your posts.”

McDaniel’s original post featured on Fox News and more can be found on her TikTok at @rachelfromalabama.