A Mother’s Heartbreaking Battle
Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old mother of two, is facing a heartbreaking reality. Diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Erika has been told she only has three months left to live. Now, she’s forced to confront the unimaginable task of planning her own funeral, ensuring that her children will be taken care of after she’s gone.
The Unexpected Diagnosis
Erika’s battle began unexpectedly in May 2022. What was supposed to be a routine shoulder surgery turned into a life-altering event when doctors discovered her cancer. As a young, active mother, Erika never imagined that she would be fighting for her life.
Despite starting treatment immediately, her condition worsened. In January, she received another devastating blow — a diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome, a rare disorder caused by high levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
Coping With Cushing Syndrome
Cushing Syndrome is exceedingly rare, affecting only 40 to 70 people out of every 1 million, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms include rapid weight gain, a round face, and dangerously high blood pressure. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Erika’s dual battle with cancer and Cushing has left her physically weakened and emotionally drained.
The impact of this secondary condition made her fight even more challenging, adding layers of complexity to her treatment options and overall health. Yet, she remained hopeful, continuing to undergo treatments and hoping for a miracle.
A Devastating Prognosis
On September 18, Erika had a follow-up appointment with her oncologist. The news was grim: the treatments were not working, and there were no other viable options. Faced with this reality, she was given just three months to live.
With a heart full of love for her children and determination to make the most of the time she has left, Erika has now shifted her focus to preparing for what comes next. “I have been given 3 months to live,” she shared on her GoFundMe page. “3 months to spend with my babies and loved ones. 3 months to make the best of what time I have left.”
Planning for Her Children’s Future
Erika’s two children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5, are her world. They are too young to fully grasp the situation, but Erika’s greatest concern is ensuring their well-being. The thought of leaving them behind is unbearable, yet she faces it with courage.
“I am faced now with the most difficult thing of planning my own funeral,” she wrote. “During these next couple of months, I need to make sure my kids will be okay after I am gone.”
Financial Struggles and Community Support
Erika’s battle has taken a toll not only on her health but also on her finances. Unable to work for months, she has no life insurance or savings to cover the cost of her funeral and provide for her children. This harsh reality led her to set up a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising $5,000 to cover funeral expenses and leave something behind for her kids.
The response was overwhelming. Within days, donations poured in from people around the world, far exceeding her initial goal. As of Saturday afternoon, more than $840,000 has been raised from over 29,000 donors. The funds will now be used to set up a trust for Jeremiah and Aaliyah’s future.
A Mother’s Final Gift
With humility and gratitude, Erika expressed her appreciation for the support she has received. “That way, I can leave behind something for them and I can still ensure they are going to be okay as they grow up,” she wrote.
Despite the unimaginable circumstances, Erika’s focus remains on her children’s future. She hopes that this trust will provide some stability for them as they navigate life without their mother.
The Power of Community
The outpouring of support for Erika and her family has been nothing short of incredible. Thousands of people, many of whom are complete strangers, have rallied to offer not only financial support but also words of encouragement and prayers.
Messages of hope and compassion fill the comments section of her GoFundMe page. People from all walks of life have been moved by Erika’s story and her strength in the face of adversity.
Turning Pain into Purpose
While no amount of money can ease the pain of losing a parent, the generosity of others is helping to provide Erika with some peace of mind. Knowing that her children will have some financial security has allowed her to focus on creating lasting memories with them.
From planning special outings to writing letters for them to read as they grow older, Erika is using this time to leave behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience.
Navigating the End-of-Life Journey
Erika’s journey is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. It’s also a testament to the power of the human spirit. Through her suffering, she has chosen to embrace every precious moment she has left with her children.
Her story has sparked conversations about end-of-life planning, raising awareness about the importance of financial preparedness, and encouraging others to cherish the time they have with their loved ones.
An Unimaginable Burden
The burden of planning your own funeral is something most people will never have to consider, let alone at the young age of 33. Yet, Erika is approaching this task with grace and determination, making decisions that no parent should have to make.
She’s selecting music, choosing flowers, and thinking about how she wants to be remembered. These are decisions that are both heartbreaking and empowering, allowing her to take control in a situation where so much feels beyond her control.
A Message of Hope and Strength
Despite her prognosis, Erika continues to radiate hope and strength. She wants her story to remind others to be grateful for their health and to never take a single day for granted. “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” she said. “So make the most of today.”
Her words are resonating with thousands, touching the hearts of those who hear her story and inspiring them to live more fully and love more deeply.
Raising Awareness for Rare Diseases
Beyond her personal battle, Erika’s story is shedding light on two rare and often misunderstood conditions — Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma and Cushing Syndrome. By sharing her journey, she is raising awareness and advocating for more research and support for those affected by these conditions.
Her courage in speaking out is helping others who may be facing similar challenges feel less alone.
