Mother's final wish: Securing a future for her children
Erika Diarte-Carr, a 30-year-old mother from Utah, is struggling with a rare and incurable form of cancer. Doctors have given her three months to live, which has forced her to make a painful decision – she had to plan her funeral. The "Independent" portal reported the tragedy of the woman and her family.
The dramatic story of Erika, a mother of two children, began in May 2022, when she went to the emergency room due to shoulder pain. Initially, it seemed to be a regular injury, but the diagnosis she received completely changed her life. Doctors discovered numerous tumours that had spread to other parts of her body, including her skeletal system.
I hope you have good support at home because you're in for a long and difficult journey – Erika recalls the doctor's words.
Since then, Erika's life has changed drastically. Despite many treatments, biopsies, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, the progression of the disease could not be stopped.
In January 2024, she was also diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome – a hormonal disorder that further worsened her health. This disease caused rapid weight gain, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and muscle and bone weakness.
That's when I started to feel significantly worse – Erika recounted.
Despite her worsening health, Erika tried to lead a normal life. As she herself said, she worked full-time while raising two children.
At most three months to live
After a visit to the oncologist on 18 September, she decided to cease further treatment.
Doctors said the treatment would no longer be effective – Erika confessed.
The 30-year-old mother from Utah was told that she has at most three months to live.
Three months that I can spend with my children and loved ones. Three months to make the most of the time I have left – she writes on the GoFundMe platform.
For the single mother, whose greatest priority is her children, this situation turned out to be the most challenging. Erika has two children – seven-year-old Jeremiah and five-year-old Aaliyah. Faced with an inevitable future, she decided to focus on ensuring they have the best life possible after her passing.
During these next couple of months I need to make sure my kids will be ok after I am gone – she added.
Unexpected support and massive financial help
Although Erika initially asked for €4,787 to cover the cost of her funeral, the overwhelming number of donors surprised her—over €860,000 was raised.
It happened overnight. I never expected that (...) With the way it’s went, I’m just in shock … just very grateful for everybody and everything that’s been there – she said in an interview with ABC News.
The funds collected will cover the funeral costs and, most importantly, secure her children's future. Erika announced that most donations would go into a trust fund for Jeremiah and Aaliyah.
[My children] are my whole life, light and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going – she wrote in the campaign description.
During these tough times, Erika focuses on spending her remaining time with her children and ensuring their secure future. The support of thousands of people, which exceeded her wildest expectations, has allowed her to take a moment to breathe.
Erika's story is a testament to a mother's extraordinary determination, who, despite the hardest moments, puts her children's well-being first.
