A single mother battling terminal cancer in Utah has tragically passed away after successfully raising over $1 million on GoFundMe to cover her funeral expenses and support her two children. Erika Diarte-Carr, who was only 30 years old, lost her fight against small cell lung cancer after a two-year battle, as confirmed by her cousin, Angelique Rivera. She leaves behind her seven-year-old son, Jeremiah, and her five-year-old daughter, Aaliyah.
According to her GoFundMe page, Erika was diagnosed with stage four small cell lung cancer on May 7, 2022, at which point doctors discovered multiple tumors had metastasized throughout her body. In January 2024, she faced another diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome, a rare disorder that led to a host of health challenges, including rapid weight gain, swelling, muscle and bone deterioration, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and a round face.
Erika recalled how her doctor’s words echoed in her mind, stating, “I hope you have good support at home, because you will need it for a long and difficult journey ahead.” On September 18, a tumor specialist delivered the devastating news that she had just three months left to live, adding to her burden of planning her own funeral.
In a poignant update on her fundraising page, she expressed her determination to make the most of the time she had left with her children. “I’ve been told I have only three months to live, and I want to make the most of it with my babies and the people I love. I need to ensure that my kids can live once I’m gone, and planning my own funeral is the hardest part of that.”
Erika, who had always been hesitant to accept help from others, was driven to seek financial support due to her inability to work and the absence of life insurance. Initially, she aimed to raise around $5,000 for funeral costs while hoping to secure a larger sum for her children.
“I have always felt ashamed and embarrassed about letting others know the truth,” Erika admitted. “I tried to keep this a secret for as long as I could, but my physical condition began to dictate my life, and I couldn’t hide it anymore.”
In an update on October 3, Erika expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated through GoFundMe, sharing her plans to use the funds for a memorable family trip, leaving her children with lifelong memories. As of the evening of October 14, her fundraising campaign had garnered over $1.18 million.
She reassured her donors, saying, “I can promise you that your support will bring stability to my children’s lives. I will place all the money into their trust fund.”
