Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old single mother from Utah, received devastating news that she has only three months to live. Diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma, Erika is now preparing for her final days while ensuring her children, Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5), will be taken care of after she is gone.
Unexpected Diagnosis During a Routine Visit
In May 2022, Diarte-Carr was at the hospital seeking treatment for a shoulder injury when doctors discovered a far more serious issue. After thorough tests, it was revealed that she had a rare form of cancer—Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma. This aggressive cancer had spread throughout her body, including her skeletal system, where it caused the pain in her shoulder.
Battling Cancer and Cushing Syndrome
Shortly after starting treatment, Erika faced another devastating diagnosis: Cushing Syndrome. This condition, caused by an excess of cortisol, brought about rapid weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. Despite these health struggles, Erika fought through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her children.
A Rare Condition with Severe Consequences
Cushing Syndrome is exceptionally rare, affecting only 40 to 70 people out of every 1 million. For Erika, it compounded her existing health problems, making her battle even more difficult. As her health deteriorated, she continued working full-time until she was physically unable to continue. By September 2023, her oncologist confirmed that treatments were no longer effective, giving her just three months to live.
Erika’s Heartfelt Decision: Prioritizing Her Children
Faced with the devastating news, Erika made the painful decision to stop treatment. She chose to focus on spending her remaining time with her children and planning for their future. “I have three months to live,” she shared on her GoFundMe page, “three months to make sure my babies will be okay after I’m gone.”
Fundraising to Secure Her Children’s Future
Without the ability to work and lacking life insurance, Erika turned to GoFundMe to raise money for her funeral and her children’s future. Initially aiming for $5,000, the campaign soon far exceeded expectations, raising over $1 million. “All funds beyond funeral expenses will be placed in a trust fund for my children,” Erika explained. Her love for her children continues to inspire her fight to the end.
A Legacy of Love
“They are my whole life, light, and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going,” Erika wrote. Her story has touched the hearts of many, as she navigates the challenges of terminal illness while ensuring that her children will be cared for, even after she’s gone.
Erika Diarte-Carr’s courage and love for her children have inspired thousands, leaving behind a legacy that will endure long after her final days.
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