Tributes flow for Carla Frederica Ulcoq

A family and community is trying to come to terms with the tragic loss of a vital young woman after a long and courageous battle.

Carla Ulcoq tragically lost her fight with cancer on Friday, November 24.

Beloved South Burnett midwifery student Carla Frederica Ulcoq has been remembered as “beautifully caring, soft natured and adored young lady” who was “taken way too soon”.

Tributes have poured in for Ms Ulcoq after she died on Friday, November 24, of a rare form of cancer. She was just 27 years old.

Ms Ulcoq was diagnosed with uveal metastatic melanoma when she was 13. The cancer was contained in her eye which was removed.

“After her eye was removed she had annual check-ups, and after 10 years they stopped because she was in the all clear,” her heartbroken sister, Anna Mrs Maloney said in March.

“At the end of January this year she became very sick, she thought it was food poisoning until she didn’t get better.”

Ms Ulcoq was rushed to hospital and received the devastating news weeks later that the cancer had returned.

Since then, Ms Ulcoq had been travelling with her family from her home in Gayndah to Brisbane, so she could receive clinical trial drugs in the hopes it would give the family more time with her.

Carla Ulcoq and her sister Anna Maloney. Ms Ulcoq tragically lost her fight with cancer on Friday, November 24.

To help with costs, family spokesperson Jordan Russell headed a GoFundMe campaign which raised almost $40,000.

Ms Maloney said in March the family didn’t know how to cope.

“It’s been really tough, she’s my best friend, my support, my everything,” she said.

Ms Ulcoq was studying midwifery in Melbourne before relocating back to her hometown in Gayndah.

“She loves spending time with family and friends and loves being active,” Mrs Maloney said.

Mr Russell announced at the beginning of November the drugs were no longer effective and the cancer had spread. He thanked everyone for their generosity and said the family was spending as much quality time together as possible.

Tragically, on Friday, November 24, Ms Ulcoq lost her battle.

Carla Ulcoq tragically lost her fight with cancer on Friday. Ms Ulcoq is survived by her long time partner and husband Kane.

The sad news was announced on the Burnett Regional Funeral Services Facebook page on Tuesday with emotional tributes flooding through.

“A beautiful young lady who has touched many lives in different ways. Her time with her friends and loved ones has not been long enough but memories of Carla will be with us all forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Kane, Tim, Jennifer, Anna, Liam and Arthur and all of your families,” Jennell Bernie said.

Carla Ulcoq died on Friday after a battle with cancer.

“A beautifully caring, soft-natured adored young lady taken too soon, rest easy now beautiful Carla, you will be sadly missed but always fondly remembered living in our hearts. Kane, Tim, Jen, Anna and extended family, no words can describe what you’re going through, but know we are thinking of you and praying God will bring your hearts peace and love to bring you through these difficult times,” Jacqui Kirk said.

“Such a beautiful young lady taken way to soon, you will be remembered by many,” Tammy Shorten said.

A funeral service will take place at Gayndah Town Hall on Monday, December 4.

Attendees are encouraged to donate to St Josephs Primary School, Gayndah in lieu of flowers.

Ms Ulcoq is survived by her long time partner and husband Kane, who she married in April.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Carla Frederica Ulcoq