Mother of two Facing her Final days Plans her own Funeral while cherishing every moment with her Children
Photo Credit: GoFundMe / Facebook
Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old mother of two, is facing a devastating reality after a routine visit for shoulder pain led to a terminal diagnosis. Now, she is planning her own funeral, cherishing what little time she has left with her children, and seeking support to ensure her final wishes are met.
Three years ago, Erika visited the emergency department, complaining of persistent shoulder pain. What she thought was a minor issue turned into a life-altering moment. After a series of tests, doctors delivered the crushing news: she had an aggressive form of small cell lung carcinoma, a rare and terminal cancer. Despite undergoing treatment for three years, her condition has worsened, and recently, she was told she has only months to live.
On her GoFundMe page, Erika shared the emotional burden she has carried while keeping her diagnosis private. “I have been ashamed and embarrassed for people to know the truth,” she wrote. “I have kept this a secret for as long as I could, but the physical effects are starting to take control, and I can’t hide it any longer.”
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 believe I’ve come to a point in my life and health where that is 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 manage her health, her prognosis became grim. On September 18, 2024, she made the heartbreaking decision to forgo further 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 wasn’t given the best news. Due to my prognosis, I have decided to discontinue treatments as they will no longer help. I have been given three months to live. Three months to spend with my babies and loved ones. Three months to make the best of what time I have left.”
Facing 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 she’s gone. She hopes to raise $5,000 to cover funeral expenses and leave something behind for her children.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Erika remains focused on her family, making the most of the time she has left.
