A heartbreaking story has emerged from the community of a young mother who bravely fought terminal cancer while raising funds for her children’s future. Erika Diarte-Carr, a 30-year-old single mother, passed away on October 12, just weeks after launching a fundraising campaign that garnered over $1 million for her funeral expenses and her children’s trust fund.
Erika was the devoted mother of two young children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5. Her cousin, Angelique Rivera, shared the tragic news of her passing in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing the profound loss felt by the family. Rivera wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that this is the final update I will be giving for my cousin Erika. She has joined her mother Sylvia, her brother JJ, her uncles Chava & Loui on the other side. 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.”
On September 18, Erika initiated a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising $5,000 to cover her funeral costs and to ensure her children would be taken care of after her passing. However, her story resonated with thousands, and the campaign quickly gained traction, ultimately raising nearly $1.2 million from over 38,000 donors by October 14.
In her initial update on the fundraising page, Erika recounted the harrowing journey that led to her diagnosis. She had gone to the emergency room on May 7, 2022, believing she had a shoulder injury, but was instead diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, specifically small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). This devastating news marked the beginning of her fight against a relentless disease.
As if her battle with cancer wasn’t enough, Erika was later diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome on January 17, 2024. This rare disorder, which affects only 40 to 70 people out of every million, is characterized by the body producing excessive amounts of cortisol over an extended period. The symptoms she experienced included rapid weight gain, muscle and bone deterioration, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and a condition known as Moon Face, which causes swelling and a round appearance of the face.
In her updates, Erika shared the emotional toll of her diagnosis and the difficult decision she faced in planning her own funeral. She expressed her desire to leave behind a legacy for her children, stating that any funds raised beyond her funeral costs would go directly into a trust fund for them.
The outpouring of support for Erika and her family highlights the compassion and generosity of the community. As news of her campaign spread, many individuals and families came together, offering their financial assistance and emotional support during her time of need.
Erika’s journey has not only shed light on the struggles faced by those battling terminal illnesses but also emphasized the importance of community support in times of crisis. Her story is a poignant reminder of the challenges many families endure and the profound impact that compassion and kindness can have on individuals during their most difficult moments.
In the wake of her passing, many are left reflecting on Erika’s strength and her unwavering love for her children. As they navigate the future without her, the funds raised will provide some measure of security and stability for Jeremiah and Aaliyah, ensuring that their mother’s legacy of love and care continues to shine through.
The GoFundMe campaign remains active, and those who wish to contribute can still do so, helping to secure a brighter future for Erika’s children as they cope with the loss of their mother.
