A Utah mother who launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover her own funeral expenses and to secure the future of her children has passed away following a resilience two-year fight against terminal cancer.
According to her cousin Angelique Rivera, Erika Diarte-Carr, 30, lost her battle on Friday. She’s been surviving in society as a strong single mother, she raised her two young children, 7-year-old Jeremiah and 5-year-old Aaliyah, in Ogden, Utah, a city approximately 40 miles north of Salt Lake City.
Rivera revealed in an emotional Facebook post, “She has recoiled with her mother, Sylvia, her brother JJ, and her uncles Chava and Loui on the other side. She fought with immense power and held on as long as she could for her kids.”
It was disclosed by the GoFundMe page, that Carr was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer on May 7, 2022, when her doctors discovered multiple tumors had metastasized throughout her body, which is quite concerning for her life
Carr fought a long and hard battle throughout her life, but she stayed strong and resilient to make her kid's future secure by inaugurating a campaign named GoFundMe.
Carr was given 3 months to Live
After fighting a lot with her fate, after September 18 oncologist announced that they “no longer help her”. The doctors told her she was only left with three more months.
After getting to know her survival time she started living with her family and loved ones, also she decided to launch a campaign to make sure that her kids would be ok after she died.
A Reluctant Plea for Help
Although Carr was not one to typically rely on others for assistance, Carr requested the appalling situation require her to seek as much financial support as possible.
Her health issues and diagnosis rendered her unable to work and without life insurance, she encountered significant financial hardships. She also set a goal for her funeral fundraising of $5,000, hoping to gather additional funds to leave financial stability for her children’s future.
Carr remained resilient and determined, focusing on raising funds for her funeral and children, people around her supported her a lot in accomplishing her goal.
She shares in ABC News, “I never expected that, after watching the number reach $900,000, she also added I never thought to have a big funeral service or many people reach out and help me to accomplish my goal.
A Secondary Diagnosis Adds to the Battle
Carr acquired a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that catalysts the body to produce excessive amounts of cortisol over an extended period, in January 2024, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
She said” After my diagnosis I have managed to keep working, taking only two months off in the beginning for appointments, surgeries, and therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of cancer does Erika Carr face?
She encountered a fourth terminal small cell lung carcinoma, this cancer type is very aggressive and serious to handle at its worst stage.
2. Who is Erika Car?
She is a 30-year-old single mother from Ogden, Utah, she fought terminal cancer brilliantly encouraging others who are facing health issues.
3. Did Erika Carr gain weight?
Yes, she rapidly gained weight and swelling (60+ lbs in a matter of weeks), muscle and bone deterioration, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and Moon Face.
