Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old mother of two, faces a devastating reality after a routine visit for shoulder pain led to a terminal diagnosis. Now, she is planning her own funeralvaluing the little time she has left with her children and seeking support to ensure her final wishes are fulfilled.
Three years ago, Erika visited the emergency department complaining of persistent shoulder pain. What she thought was a minor problem turned into a life-changing moment. After a series of tests, doctors delivered the devastating news: she had an aggressive form of small cell lung carcinoma, a rare and terminal cancer. Despite receiving treatment for three years, his condition has worsened and he was recently told he only had a few months to live.
about her GoFundMe pageErika shared the emotional toll she has endured while keeping her diagnosis private. “I have felt embarrassed and embarrassed that people know the truth,” she wrote. “I’ve kept this a secret for as long as I can, but the physical effects are starting to take over and I can’t hide it anymore.”
Erika, who has always been independent, is now unable to work, leaving her in a difficult financial situation. “I’ve never been good at accepting or asking for help,” she admitted, “but I think I’ve reached a point in my life and my health where that’s no longer an option.”
Her battle took another turn earlier this year when she developed Cushing’s syndrome, a rare hormonal disorder that caused her body to rapidly gain weight and deteriorate. Despite efforts to monitor his health, his prognosis became grim. On September 18, 2024, she made the heartbreaking decision to forego treatment and focus on spending her final days with her five-year-old daughter, Ailiyah, and seven-year-old son, Jeremiah.
In her emotional post, Erika wrote: “Unfortunately, I didn’t get the best news. Due to my prognosis I have decided to stop the treatments since they will no longer help me. They have given me three months to live. Three months to spend with my babies and my loved ones. “Three months to make the most of the time I have left.”
Faced with the most difficult task of her life, Erika is now planning her own funeral and raising funds to ensure her children are cared for after her death. He hopes to raise $5,000 to cover funeral expenses and leave something for his children.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Erika remains focused on her family and is making the most of the time she has left.