Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old mother of two from Utah, is facing a heart-wrenching reality after being given just three months to live. The young mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma in May 2022 while undergoing shoulder surgery. Her journey has been both physically and emotionally taxing, and in January, she received another devastating diagnosis: Cushing Syndrome.
This rare disorder, caused by an overproduction of cortisol, affects only a small fraction of the population—between 40 to 70 people out of every million, according to the National Institutes of Health. The syndrome, if left untreated, can be life-threatening, adding further complexity to Erika’s already difficult battle with cancer.
On her GoFundMe page, Erika recently shared the grim news from her oncologist. “I have been given 3 months to live,” she wrote. “3 months to spend with my babies and loved ones. 3 months to make the best of what time I have left.” Her children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5, are at the forefront of her thoughts as she faces the unimaginable task of planning her own funeral.
With financial concerns weighing heavily, Erika explained that she has been unable to work and has no life insurance or savings. “I need to make sure my kids will be okay after I am gone,” she wrote. Her initial goal was to raise $5,000 to cover funeral costs and leave something behind for her children.
In an extraordinary show of support, Erika’s story has touched the hearts of many. As of this week, her GoFundMe has raised over $840,000 from more than 29,000 donors, far surpassing her initial goal. Humbled by the generosity, she plans to set up a trust fund for her children. “That way, I can leave behind something for them and still ensure they are going to be ok as they grow up,” Erika shared.
Her gratitude shines through as she reflects on the kindness of strangers. “Me and my family thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts,” she wrote, adding, “[My children] are my whole life, light, and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going.”
In the little time she has left, Erika hopes to create lasting memories with her children. The three will soon embark on a special trip together, and she’s hopeful they will spend one final Christmas as a family.