Erika Diarte-Carr dies of cancer after raising $1 million for her children
Erika Diarte-Carr, a mother, died of cancer after raising more than 1 million dollars to secure her children's future.
2024-10-17T14:40:17+00:00- Erika Diarte-Carr Passes Away, but Secures Trust Fund
- Massive Support on Social Media
- Family’s Deep Gratitude
A 33-year-old mother who raised $1 million for her children passes away: «My children are my fight and what keeps me going.»
Erika Diarte-Carr, mother of two, has died of cancer after raising more than $1 million in her final weeks of life.
Her family shared heartbreaking black-and-white images after her death, showing two relatives embracing in the midst of their grief.
The single mother, who leaves behind Jeremiah, 7, and Ailiyah, 5, had planned her own funeral after being diagnosed with small cell lung carcinoma.
«My Children Are My Entire Life»: The Unexpected Battle of Erika Diarte-Carr
«My children are my entire life, my light, and my soul,» Erika wrote in a GoFundMe post.
Diarte-Carr began her fight on May 7, 2022, when she went to the ER thinking she had a shoulder injury. What she thought was a minor issue turned out to be terminal stage 4 cancer.
«My life and my children’s lives changed forever,» she said about the devastating moment she received the diagnosis.
The doctor informed her that she had several metastatic tumors and that she would need significant support at home due to the shoulder pain she was experiencing.
In January 2024, Erika Diarte-Carr was also diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, which severely worsened her condition.
She began to experience muscle and bone deterioration, high blood pressure, «moon face,» and type 2 diabetes.
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She told ABC 4 that Cushing’s syndrome also prevented her from walking.
Despite her illness, she continued working full-time, only taking two months off for surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy.
«I have felt ashamed and humiliated that people know the truth,» she wrote on GoFundMe. «But the physical effects are starting to take over, and I can no longer hide it.»
Because she could no longer work, Erika Diarte-Carr asked for financial help.
«Since I have been unable to work for months, I have no savings or life insurance set aside for this situation. If you could donate or share, anything would be appreciated,» she said.
The campaign, which had an initial goal of $5,000, quickly surpassed $750,000 thanks to the generosity of people around the world, eventually raising over $1 million.
A Trust Fund to Secure Her Children’s Future
«All the funds that have exceeded the cost of my funeral will now be placed in a trust fund for my babies,» Erika said, ensuring her children’s future.
Angelique Rivera, Erika’s cousin, shared a heartbreaking photo of Erika Diarte-Carr’s children embracing her in a hospital bed. The image touched the hearts of many.
«We are speechless and can never say ‘thank you’ enough,» Rivera wrote.
Many followers expressed their support, offering help in various forms, from meals to Halloween costumes for the children.
Erika Diarte-Carr Spent Her Final Months with Her Children
Erika stopped receiving treatments in September after being given a prognosis of only three months to live.
«I want to spend time with my children without being sick from treatments and medications,» she wrote.
In her final message, Erika Diarte-Carr thanked her medical team for their care and dedication.
«My family and I thank ALL of you from the bottom of our hearts,» Erika concluded in her emotional message. SOURCE: People en Español/ Dailymail, Facebook.