Carrie Everett was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer called signet ring cell carcinoma.
As the first runner-up, Gankiewicz was announced as the replacement for former Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, who stepped aside May 6.
The two beauty queens allege that a very ugly work environment turned toxic, but because they are both bound by contracts with confidentiality clauses, their moms are finding a platform to give voice to their experiences.
The pageant responded with an Instagram post, writing that it respected Srivastava's decision, considered the well-being of titleholders "a top priority," and that a successor would be named soon.
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Proceeds from the Windy City Trans Visibility Pageant go toward helping support homeless transgender youth.