How former Miss NC Carrie Everett is doing since aggressive cancer diagnosis: 'Holding on to God'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Last year, Carrie Everett, 21, needed your support as she competed for and won the Miss North Carolina 2024 crown. She needs it again.

That's because Everett has gone from being crowned to losing her natural crown to cancer.

"I initially knew something was wrong. I don't get very sick very often," she tells ABC11.

She and her mother spoke with ABC11 News virtually from their home in Auburn, Washington. Everett handed over the Miss North Carolina crown in June of this year.

One month later, she was on a journey she didn't see coming.

"I started to experience bloating almost instantly. I was coughing. I went to the doctor, and they said I had pneumonia. They initially said there was nothing wrong with my stomach," she said.

Doctors performed an X-ray and found nothing, but one week later, the symptoms progressed to her coughing up blood. They found masses on her pelvis after conducting a CT scan. A biopsy detected cancer.

"I was shocked. I was also very scared because you hear that word and think of all these stories. I knew my life was going to change," said Everett.

She was diagnosed with signet ring cell carcinoma, which is a rare and aggressive advanced form of cancer. After spending three weeks in the hospital, she had to regain her walking skills.

"I was hooked up to machines all the time and wasn't able to breathe. I had to be on oxygen," she said.

Her mother, Mary Everett, shared that the last few months have been difficult, but trusting in the Lord has helped.

"The bible says it is better to put your trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. The prognosis wasn't good. We turn our attention to God," said Mary Everett.

The young woman just wrapped up her third round of chemotherapy. Her family shaved their heads in solidarity with her. Loved ones have even launched a fundraiser to help with rising medical costs as her mother, who is her primary caregiver, is unable to work.

For now, Everett is taking a break from her studies at North Carolina Central University.

"I love my Eagle family and its 'Eagle Pride, Amplified," she said. "I know we're going to whoop those Aggies. So, how about that!"

It's that fighting spirit that's helping her battle cancer. She wants this diagnosis to be a lesson for women to advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right.

"I'm holding on to God, keeping the faith and attitude of worship and prayer because I believe I'm healed already in Jesus' name," Everett said.