Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old Utah mother of two, has been dealt a devastating blow. After undergoing shoulder surgery in May 2022, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Despite undergoing treatment, Erika faced another setback in January with a diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome, a life-threatening hormonal disorder.
Only 40 to 70 people out of every 1 million have Cushing, making the syndrome extremely rare, according to the National Institues of Health.
In a heart-wrenching update, Erika revealed that her oncologist informed her that her treatments have been unsuccessful, leaving her with a poignant three-month prognosis.
With her focus shifting to the limited time she has left, Erika is now planning her own funeral to ensure her children’s well-being.
Erika Carr’s financial struggles have compounded her emotional pain, as she has been unable to work for months. To cover funeral expenses and secure her children’s future, she turned to GoFundMe. The response has been overwhelming, with over $840,000 raised from more than 29,000 donations, far exceeding the initial $5,000 goal.
The excess funds will be placed in a trust for her children, Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5), providing a financial safety net as they grow up. Erika expressed gratitude to the donors, saying, “My children are my everything, and knowing they’ll be taken care of brings me peace.”
In the remaining months, Erika Carr hopes to create lasting memories with her family, including a special trip and one final Christmas together. Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the power of a mother’s love.”
