A Utah mother who had been battling Stage 4 small-cell lung carcinoma for the past two years has tragically passed away. Erika Diarte-Carr, 30, garnered attention last month for raising funds on GoFundMe not only for her own funeral costs but also for the future of her two young children. Her cousin announced Carr’s passing on Saturday, October 12, in a heartfelt Facebook post.
In the emotional post, Carr’s cousin shared, “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.” Carr, a single mother to Jeremiah, aged seven, and Aaliyah, aged five, referred to her children as her “whole life, light, and soul.” Her battle with cancer took a turn for the worse after doctors gave her a terminal diagnosis following a recent appointment.
Despite her initially modest goal of raising $5,000 on GoFundMe, the support poured in, surpassing $1 million. Carr expressed her shock and gratitude, stating, “It happened overnight. I never expected that… I’m just in shock… just very grateful for everybody and everything that’s been there.”
Throughout her journey, Carr remained grateful for her “amazing medical team” and the unwavering support from her community. She detailed receiving her cancer diagnosis in May 2022 after seeking treatment for a shoulder injury, which led to the discovery of metastasized tumors. Determined to provide for her children in her last few months, Carr faced the heartbreaking task of planning her own funeral.
In January 2024, Carr was also diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, further complicating her health challenges. Despite undergoing surgeries, biopsies, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments, she endeavored to balance full-time work with being a devoted mother. The financial, emotional, and physical toll on Carr and her support system was immense, as she navigated the demands of her illness while caring for her children.
Erika Diarte-Carr’s courageous battle and selfless efforts to secure her children’s future have touched the hearts of many, with an outpouring of support on her GoFundMe page. Her legacy as a dedicated mother and fighter against cancer will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those she inspired.