Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old single mother of two, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a prognosis of only three months to live. Faced with the heartbreaking reality, Erika is now planning her own funeral and raising funds to secure the future of her beloved children.
Erika Diarte-Carr's life took an unexpected turn in May 2022 when she visited the hospital to address a shoulder injury. Little did she know that a routine examination would lead to a devastating diagnosis: Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. To her dismay, the news didn't end there. Subsequent medical examinations revealed multiple tumors had metastasized to other parts of her body, including her skeletal system, causing the pain that had initially brought her to the hospital.
Despite her cancer diagnosis, Erika remained determined to maintain normalcy, working full-time and taking only two months off for surgeries, biopsies, and treatments. However, her health deteriorated rapidly, and she was ultimately forced to leave work several months ago. In a cruel twist of fate, Erika received another devastating blow in January when she was diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome, a rare condition caused by an excess production of cortisol. Cushing Syndrome led to a cascade of health problems, including weight gain, muscle and bone deterioration, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes.
Single Mom Given 3 Months to Live Plans Funeral, Raises Money for Children's Future
On September 18th, Erika's oncologist delivered the most difficult news: the treatments were not working, and she had only three months left to live. Faced with the reality of her impending mortality, Erika decided to discontinue her treatments and dedicate her remaining time to her children, Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5).
In the wake of her diagnosis, Erika has taken it upon herself to plan her own funeral and secure the financial future of her children. Unable to work due to her declining health, Erika has no savings or life insurance to rely on. With a GoFundMe page, she hopes to raise $5,000 to cover funeral expenses and leave a trust fund for her children to support their future needs.
Single Mom Given 3 Months to Live Plans Funeral, Raises Money for Children's Future
Erika's resilience and unwavering love for her children continue to inspire and move hearts. Thanks to the overwhelming support from strangers, the GoFundMe page has far surpassed its initial goal, raising over $1 million as of Monday morning. The funds will not only ensure a dignified funeral for Erika but also provide a financial foundation for her children as they face life without their mother.
As Erika prepares for the inevitable, she finds solace in knowing that her children will be cared for and that her love will continue to guide them throughout their lives. They remain the source of her strength and determination during this incredibly challenging time. Erika's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every precious moment we have with our loved ones.
Single Mom Given 3 Months to Live Plans Funeral, Raises Money for Children's Future
