Support Erika: A Mother planning her own funeral

Dear family, friends and to all of those of you who may or may not know know me..

My name is Erika Diarte-Carr. I am 30 years old and a single mother of two beautiful children. Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5). ❤️ They are my whole life, light and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going.

Anybody who knows me, knows that I am a very reserved, quiet and private person. I have always been independent and I am used to doing everything on my own for me and my children. So, please understand that it is hard for me to put my personal business out there today and to finally ask for help..

These last 2 years I have been silently battling a rare terminal cancer.. Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma.

On May 7th, 2022, the day before Mother’s Day, I walked into the emergency room due to what I thought to be just a normal shoulder injury and walked out diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer along with the doctor’s words replaying in my head, “I hope you have a good support system at home because you’re going to need it, you have a long and hard journey ahead of you.” The doctor than proceeded to tell me that there were multiple tumors that had metastasized to other parts of my body including my skeletal, which is how we were able to find the tumor that was causing my shoulder pain. By that point the damage had already been done. In that moment, mine and my kids’ entire lives had changed forever, as well as all of those around us.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there.. On January 17th, 2024, I was diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome. Which has caused me so many other underlying issues such as rapid weight gain & swelling (60+ lbs in a matter of weeks), muscle and bone deterioration, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, Moon Face & so much more! This disease has already taken so much away from me and my family!

Since my diagnosis I have managed to keep working full time, taking only 2 months off in the beginning for surgeries , biopsies, appointments, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. All while still being a full time mama. I do have an AMAZING support system but over time it has put a major financial, emotional, mental and physical toll on us all.

I have been ashamed and embarrassed for people to know the truth, that 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. I’ve never been good at accepting or asking for help but unfortunately, I believe I’ve come to a point in my life and health where that is no longer an option for me. I am no longer able to physically work which has put a major financial burden on me.

 I understand we all go through hard times so anything helps.. Whether it be your love & support, a donation, sharing my story, or sending love, prayers, positive & healing vibes. All is accepted and very much appreciated.

I also want to acknowledge my amazing medical team for all of their time, care & patience. Carl Gray & Kylie Money @ Ogden Hematology Oncology. Steven Brown @ Tanner Clinic (Endocrinology) & Brandon Fisher (Radiation Oncology). & so many more!!.

Me & my family thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts!. ❤️❤️‍

UPDATE: September 18th, 2024 I had a Dr. Appointment with my oncologist. 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 3 months to live. 3 months to spend with my babies and loved ones. 3 months to make the best of what time I have left. During these next couple of months I need to make sure my kids will be ok after I am gone. I am faced now with the most difficult thing of planning my own funeral. Due to me not being able to work for months now I do not have any finances saved up or any life insurance set aside for this situation. I have looked into the expenses and I am needing to raise about $5,000 to ensure funeral costs are covered plus I’m wanting to leave something behind for my babies. 

If you could please donate or share anything would be appreciated.

THANK YOU.

And a huge thank you to all of you who have already donated! 

FOR ANYONE’S CONCERN , ALL THE FUNDS THAT HAVE EXCEEDED MY FUNERAL COST GOAL WILL BE NOW PUT INTO A TRUST FUND FOR MY BABIES THAT WAY I CAN LEAVE BEHIND SOMETHING FOR THEM AND I CAN STILL ENSURE THEY ARE GOING TO BE OK AS THEY GROW UP.