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She promised she would beat it. She fought until she couldn't anymore.
Carly Douglas, a health and fitness influencer with more than 137,000 Instagram followers, died Saturday at the age of 36, just three months after tearfully revealing she had been diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer. Her family announced her passing Wednesday in an emotional post that celebrated the life of a woman they described as pure sunshine.
"Carly fought cancer with grit and determination, while being full of hope and always pointing anyone who would listen back to God," her family wrote. "Carly was joy personified. It felt as though her smile was permanently stitched on her face and her laugh was constantly waiting to bubble out of her."
The South Carolina mother shared three children — River, Faye and Townes — with her husband David. Her family said the loss had left an irreplaceable void, though they drew comfort from their faith. "We do not grieve without hope," the post read. "We know she is whole, complete, and the most joyful radiant version of herself."
Douglas had broken the news to her followers in a March 24 video, appearing in a hospital gown as she described doctors discovering a large, bleeding tumor on her stomach. She called the diagnosis "living in a nightmare" but spoke with striking resolve about her intentions to fight.
"I think I've walked through every stage of grief possible, but one thing that has never left is just this overwhelming sense of peace that I'm going to be okay and that I'm gonna fight," she said in the video. "I have to for my kids and for so many people I love."
In the weeks that followed, Douglas continued sharing updates with her audience, documenting chemotherapy sessions and hospital visits with the same openness that had defined her platform. Her feed, ordinarily filled with workout routines, family moments and wellness content, became a chronicle of courage that resonated deeply with her community.
Her family closed their tribute with a Bible verse and a final message: "Carly Faye Douglas is home."
