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| Erika Diarte-Carr, 33, and her children: Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5. (GoFundMe) |
A 33-year-old Young Utah Mother, Erika Diarte-Carr, is facing an unimaginable challenge after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The single mother of two small children, Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5), has been told she has just three months to live. Now, she is not only planning her own funeral but also raising money to leave behind a trust fund for her children’s future.
A Shocking Diagnosis
Erika’s journey began in May 2022 when she went to the hospital to treat what she believed was a shoulder injury. However, during her visit, doctors discovered something far more serious—Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The cancer had already metastasized, spreading to various parts of her body, including her skeletal system, which explained the shoulder pain she was experiencing.
Despite beginning treatment, including surgeries, biopsies, radiation, and chemotherapy, Erika received more heartbreaking news in January. She was diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome, a condition caused by an excess of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure. This rare syndrome, affecting only 40 to 70 people per 1 million according to the National Institutes of Health, further deteriorated her health, contributing to issues like Type 2 diabetes, bone deterioration, and swelling.
From Fighting to Acceptance
Despite her illness, Young Utah Mother continued to work full-time, only taking off for treatments. But as her condition worsened, she found herself unable to continue working. Recently, after months of aggressive treatment, her oncologist delivered the devastating news—her treatments were no longer working, and she had only three months left to live. In response, Erika made the difficult decision to stop treatment and focus on spending her remaining time with her children.
“I have been given 3 months to live. 3 months to spend with my babies and loved ones. During these next couple of months, I need to make sure my kids will be ok after I am gone," she wrote on her GoFundMe page.
Planning for Her Children’s Future
Knowing that her time is limited, Erika is now focused on ensuring her children will be taken care of after she’s gone. With no life insurance or savings, she initially set a goal to raise $5,000 to cover her funeral costs. However, as news of her situation spread, the response from supporters was overwhelming. As of today, her GoFundMe page has raised over $1 million—far surpassing her original goal.
“All the funds that have exceeded my funeral costs will now be put into a trust fund for my babies,” Erika shared. "That way, I can leave behind something for them and still ensure they are going to be ok as they grow up."
Her children remain her biggest motivation during these difficult times.
"They are my whole life, light, and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going," she said.
A Community Rallies Together
Erika’s story has touched the hearts of many. The overwhelming generosity of friends, family, and strangers has not only lifted the financial burden off her shoulders but also provided a legacy for her children. The GoFundMe campaign stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion.
While Erika is preparing for her final months, she finds comfort knowing that her children will be cared for even after she is gone. Her strength, love, and dedication to Jeremiah and Aaliyah will leave an enduring mark, both through the memories she has created with them and the future she is building for them through her trust fund.
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