Salt Lake City, Utah – A young mother of two children in Utah is facing a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer, with doctors giving her only three months to live. Erika Diarte-Carr, 33, received the news after seeking treatment for a shoulder injury in May 2022, where she was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma. The cancer had already spread to other parts of her body, including her skeletal system. Unfortunately, her health took a turn for the worse when she was also diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome, which led to a host of other health issues.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Diarte-Carr continued to work full-time and undergo treatment for her conditions. However, after learning that her treatments were no longer effective, she made the difficult decision to discontinue them. With her remaining time, she is focused on spending quality time with her two young children, Jeremiah and Aaliyah. The news of her limited time left has led her to plan her own funeral and raise funds to secure a future for her kids.
Due to her deteriorating health, Diarte-Carr has been unable to work for several months, leaving her without savings or life insurance to cover funeral costs. She turned to a GoFundMe page to raise $5,000 to ensure her final expenses are covered and to leave behind a trust fund for her children. The response has been overwhelming, with donations far surpassing the initial goal and reaching over $1 million as of Monday morning.
In a touching message on her fundraising page, Diarte-Carr expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating that any funds exceeding her funeral costs will go towards a trust fund for her children. She emphasized that her kids are her reason to keep fighting and that ensuring their well-being is her top priority. The community response to her story highlights the power of compassion and generosity in times of adversity.
As she navigates this unimaginable journey, Diarte-Carr continues to demonstrate strength and resilience in the face of her diagnosis. Her unwavering love for her children serves as a source of inspiration for those who have followed her story and contributed to her cause. Through the challenges she faces, she remains focused on creating a positive future for her kids, leaving a legacy of love and courage in the midst of heartbreak.