A single mother of two, Erika Diarte-Carr, tragically passed away at the age of 30 after a brave battle with terminal cancer.
Before her passing on October 12, she ensured her children would be financially secure, leaving behind a story of strength and an outpouring of community support, as reported by PEOPLE.
Erika was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) in May 2022 after what she initially thought was a shoulder injury. Doctors revealed that she had “multiple tumors” throughout her body. Her health worsened further in January 2024 when she was also diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a rare condition that led to severe weight gain, muscle deterioration, and other complications.
Despite the grim diagnosis, Erika focused on her children’s future. She launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover her funeral expenses and create a financial safety net for her two children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5. “On May 7th, 2022, the day before Mother’s Day, I walked into the emergency room due to what I thought was just a normal shoulder injury and walked out diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer,” she wrote on the fundraising page.
Erika initially set a goal of $5,000, but her story touched the hearts of many. The campaign went viral, with over 38,000 donors contributing nearly $1.2 million, ensuring her children would be cared for and her final wishes fulfilled.
Although she continued to fight the cancer, Erika made the difficult decision to stop treatment on September 18. “I have decided to discontinue treatments as they will no longer help. I have been given 3 months to live. 3 months to spend with my babies and loved ones. 3 months to make the best of what time I have left,” she shared on her GoFundMe page. Sadly, she passed away sooner than expected.
On October 12, Erika’s cousin, Angelique Rivera, announced her passing on Facebook, thanking the thousands who had offered their support. “She fought a long and hard battle. She was strong and held on as long as she could for her babies. I know she was so thankful for all of your support and love and prayers,” Rivera wrote.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Erika took on the heartbreaking task of planning her own funeral. By late September, donations had surpassed $1 million, allowing her to finalize funeral arrangements and provide for her children’s future.
On October 3, Erika shared an update on GoFundMe, writing, “Please know how much of an impact your support and trust has had on not just mine but my kids’ lives in such a positive way.”
Her story is a testament to a mother’s love and the kindness of strangers. Our thoughts go out to Erika’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. The overwhelming support from 38,000 donors stands as a powerful reminder of compassion in the face of tragedy.
RIP.
