Spilt Image of Erika Diarte-Carr and her two small children before and during cancer journey/DailyMail
This one certainly pulls on our heartstrings!
Meet Erika Diarte-Carr a 33-year-old mother of two from Ogden, Utah, who is bravely facing the unimaginable: planning her funeral. Grab a box of Kleenex as I share her heartbreaking journey.
From Hope to Heartbreak: The Shocking Diagnosis
As reported by the New York Post, Erika Diarte-Carr’s life changed dramatically when she went to the hospital in May 2022 for shoulder surgery. During her visit, she received the life-altering diagnosis of Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.
This shocking news came as a complete surprise, turning her world upside down at just 30 years old.
As she began her battle against this rare form of cancer, she faced yet another challenge: a diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome in January, a serious condition that can result from excess cortisol in the body, causing significant health issues.
A Devastating Prognosis: Three Months to Live
With her oncologist delivering devastating news on September 18, 2024, Erika learned she has only three months to live. “I have been given 3 months to spend with my babies and loved ones,” she shared on her GoFundMe page. “During these next couple of months, I need to make sure my kids will be okay after I am gone. I am faced now with the most difficult thing of planning my own funeral.”
The Power of Community: Erika’s GoFundMe Campaign
Facing financial strain and with no life insurance, Erika set a goal to raise $5,000 to cover her funeral expenses and leave something behind for her children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5. To her surprise, the GoFundMe campaign—launched when she was still 30—has exceeded all expectations, raising over $840,000 from more than 29,000 donations.
Leaving a Legacy: Ensuring a Future for Her Children
Erika expresses her gratitude: “Me and my family thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts. My children are my whole life, light, and soul. They are my fight and what keeps me going.” The funds will not only cover her funeral costs but will also be placed in a trust fund for her children, ensuring their future is secure.
Cherishing Every Moment: Making Last Memories
In what she hopes will be a memorable final holiday, Erika plans to take a trip with her kids and cherishes the hope of spending one last Christmas together. While this is certainly not the ending anyone would hope for, Erika’s story of resilience and love serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of motherhood.
How You Can Help: Supporting Erika and Her Family
If you wish to support Erika and her family during this incredibly difficult time, please consider contributing to her GoFundMe campaign.
Additionally, please always do your own research before making any donations.
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