Single Utah Mother Raising Funds for Her Own Funeral After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old single mother from Utah, has been given a heartbreaking prognosis: just three months to live after being diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma. Her journey began in May 2022 when she visited the hospital for what she thought was a minor shoulder injury, only to discover she had terminal cancer.

Diarte-Carr's cancer diagnosis revealed multiple tumors that had metastasized to other parts of her body, including her skeletal system. This devastating news marked the beginning of a long and arduous battle, which included surgeries, biopsies, appointments, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. Despite these challenges, she continued working full-time and caring for her children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5.

Compounding Health Issues

In addition to her cancer, Diarte-Carr was diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome in January 2024, a rare condition caused by an excess of the stress hormone cortisol. This led to a myriad of health issues, including rapid weight gain, swelling, muscle and bone deterioration, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. The syndrome has significantly impacted her quality of life, rendering her unable to walk and further complicating her health.

The financial, emotional, mental, and physical toll of her illnesses has been immense. Despite having an 'amazing support system,' Diarte-Carr found herself unable to continue working due to her deteriorating health. With no savings or life insurance, she was faced with the daunting task of planning her own funeral and ensuring a secure future for her children.

Community Support and Fundraiser

In a heartfelt plea, Diarte-Carr created a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 for her funeral expenses. However, the response has been overwhelming, with over 30,000 donors contributing more than $1 million as of late September. The excess funds will be placed into a trust fund for her children, ensuring their well-being after she is gone.

Erika expressed her gratitude and shock at the outpouring of support. 'It happened overnight. I never expected that,' she said, reflecting on the unexpected generosity of the community. Her primary focus now is to spend the remaining three months with her children and loved ones, making the most of the time she has left.

For Diarte-Carr, her children are her 'whole life, light and soul.' She is determined to leave behind a legacy that will support them as they grow up, even in her absence. The fundraiser has not only helped her financially but has also provided emotional comfort during this difficult time.