Utah Mother Erika Diarte-Carr Dies After Raising Over $1 Million for Her Funeral and Children’s Future

Heartbreaking yet inspiring story

Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old single mother from Utah, passed away after battling stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma. She had spent her final months raising over $1.17 million through GoFundMe to secure her children’s future and cover her funeral expenses. The world rallied behind her, offering donations, prayers, and support as she faced terminal cancer with courage and grace.

What Was Erika Diarte-Carr’s Condition?

Erika Diarte-Carr was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma in May 2022, just before Mother’s Day. Small cell lung carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that had metastasized to other parts of her body, including her skeletal system. By September 2023, her doctors told her that she had only three months to live.

Earlier in the year, Erika had also been diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome, a hormonal disorder that caused her to lose significant weight, which further deteriorated her muscles and bones. Faced with a dire prognosis and the need to prepare for her passing, she started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her own funeral and to provide for her two young children.

When Did Erika Diarte-Carr Pass Away?

Erika Diarte-Carr passed away in early October 2023, as announced by her cousin, Angelique Rivera, on social media. Erika’s cousin shared an emotional post saying, “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.”

Why Did Erika Diarte-Carr Raise Money for Her Own Funeral?

After her terminal diagnosis in May 2022, Erika faced not only the emotional toll of her illness but also financial challenges. She was a single mother of two, 7-year-old Jeremiah and 5-year-old Aaliyah, and wanted to ensure her children would be taken care of after her passing. In September 2023, knowing she had just months left to live, Erika made the difficult decision to stop further treatment and focus on spending time with her children.

Reluctantly, she set up a GoFundMe campaign, aiming for a modest goal of $5,000 to cover her funeral expenses. However, her story touched people around the world, and the campaign quickly went viral, with donations exceeding $1.17 million.

Where Did Erika Diarte-Carr’s Story Take Place?

Erika Diarte-Carr’s story unfolded in Ogden, Utah, where she lived with her two children. Her battle with cancer became known not only locally but globally, thanks to her emotional plea for help, which resonated with tens of thousands of donors worldwide.

What’s Next for Erika Diarte-Carr’s Children?

Before her passing, Erika took steps to ensure her children’s future. She created a trust fund for Jeremiah and Aaliyah, ensuring that the money raised through GoFundMe would provide for their well-being as they grow up. Her cousin, Angelique Rivera, has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that Erika’s children received.

Who Was Involved in Erika Diarte-Carr’s Journey?

Erika’s journey was supported by her family, friends, and countless strangers who rallied behind her through social media and the GoFundMe campaign. Key figures in her story include:

• Erika Diarte-Carr: The courageous mother who fought terminal cancer and raised money for her children’s future.
• Jeremiah and Aaliyah: Erika’s young children, aged 7 and 5, who will inherit the funds raised through the campaign.
• Angelique Rivera: Erika’s cousin, who updated the public about Erika’s condition and eventually announced her passing.
• Over 37,000 Donors: Individuals from around the world who contributed to Erika’s GoFundMe campaign.

What Are the Impacts of Erika Diarte-Carr’s Story?

Erika’s story has had a profound impact on those who followed it. Not only did it highlight the emotional and financial struggles of terminal illness, but it also showcased the generosity of people who came together to support a mother in need. The donations that poured in will significantly impact her children’s lives, ensuring they have financial security after losing their mother.

Her story has also brought attention to the harsh realities of rare cancers like small cell lung carcinoma, the importance of early detection, and the emotional toll on families affected by terminal illness.

Brief

Erika Diarte-Carr’s story is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the power of community support. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her children and the global community that rallied behind her. Her battle with cancer and her fight to secure a future for her children touched the hearts of many, leaving a lasting impact.