Fitness and health influencer Carly Douglas, a mother of three from Greer, South Carolina, has died at the age of 34. Her passing on June 13 came three months after she revealed a diagnosis of stage 4 gastric cancer. Douglas had initially sought medical attention believing she was suffering from a bowel obstruction before learning of the tumor.
The news of her death was confirmed through a statement shared on her Instagram account, which lauded her fight against the illness as one of "grit and determination." The statement described Douglas as "joy personified, pure sunshine" and noted her deep love for her husband, David, and their three children: River, Faye, and Townes.
Douglas cultivated a significant social media following, amassing over 137,000 Instagram followers with her content focused on motherhood and exercise. In a video posted on March 24, she shared that scans had revealed a large tumor in her stomach, along with fluid buildup and inflammation, describing the experience as "living in a nightmare."
She expressed a strong resolve to fight the disease, telling her followers, "I have to for my kids." Douglas stated her belief that she would overcome the cancer, emphasizing, "I'm gonna beat this. I am gonna beat this, I'm gonna come out on the other side."
Gastric cancer originates in the cells lining the stomach, according to the National Cancer Institute. Symptoms can include indigestion and stomach pain. Stage 4 gastric cancer indicates that the disease has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, distant lymph nodes, or the abdominal lining.
Following the announcement of her death, many social media users shared tributes, expressing how Douglas's journey had impacted them. One commenter wrote, "I've never been so impacted by someone I've never met." Another shared, "I found Carly through her announcement post and have been so inspired by her since then."
Douglas is survived by her husband, her children, her parents, siblings, and extended family. A celebration of her life is scheduled for June 20 at Taylors First Baptist Church in South Carolina, with attendees requested to wear bright colors. Her obituary concluded by stating that while her family experiences immense grief, they find peace in her faith, believing "She is healed, whole, and home."