Erika Diarte-Carr fundraiser reaches $1 million as Utah mom plans her own funeral

An ailing single mother forced to crowdfund her own funeral has been given more than $1 million by kind-hearted strangers to help secure her children's future, according to her fundraising appeal.

Erika Diarte-Carr, who lives in Ogden, Utah, with her 5-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, submitted the appeal on June 26 with a modest goal of just $5,000 to cover her funeral costs. But the financial milestone has long been passed after her heartbreaking story went viral last week.

The 30-year-old revealed she was battling a rare cancer called Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC) after receiving a shocking final diagnosis two years ago when she sought medical help for what she thought was just a sore shoulder. She said she was finally forced to ask for financial help this summer because she had now become too sick to work and the end was approaching.

She updated her GoFundMe post on September 18, explaining that she was now forced to “discontinue treatments as they were no longer helping.” Her oncologist told her she only had “three months to live,” Diarte-Carr said, adding: “3 months to spend with my babies and my loved ones (…) I have to make sure it's mine Children after me are doing well.” Now I am faced with the most difficult task of planning my own funeral.

News of her appeal subsequently spread as readers shared her post online.

And the fundraiser suddenly went viral in the last few days and triggered a huge flood of donations.

As of Monday morning, the total was $1,039,732, donated by more than 35,000 well-wishers. Several news outlets began picking up the story, including CIO Women Magazine, which posted a picture of the mother and her children in happier times on X (formerly Twitter).

Newsweek Erika Diarte-Carr emailed for comment.

An updated statement on Diarte-Carr's GoFundMe page said the money will be put into “a trust fund for my babies” Jeremiah and Aaliyah so she can “still make sure they are okay as they grow up.” become”. She described her children as “my whole life, light and soul. My children are my fight and what keeps me going.”

But asking for help was difficult, she said. “Anyone who knows me knows that I am a very reserved, quiet and private person. I have always been independent and am used to doing everything for myself and my children. Please understand that this is difficult for me.” I would like to publish my personal concern today and finally ask for help.

“For the past two years, I have been quietly battling a rare, late-stage cancer: small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma.

“On May 7, 2022, the day before Mother's Day, I went to the emergency room for what I thought was a normal shoulder injury and left the clinic with a diagnosis of terminal stage 4 cancer while the doctor's words replayed in my head : “I hope you have a good support system at home because you are going to need it, you have a long and hard road ahead of you.” The doctor then informed me that there were several tumors that had spread to other parts of my body, including my skeleton, had metastasized, and so we were able to find the tumor that was causing my shoulder pain. By this point, the damage had already been done. In that moment, my life and that of my children and those of everyone around us had changed forever.

She initially had to take about two months off for various surgeries, biopsies, appointments, and radiation and chemotherapy sessions, she said, explaining that until recently she was able to continue working full-time “while still being a full-time mom.” . However, her health deteriorated rapidly in January this year, she said, and her appearance changed drastically.

“I was ashamed and embarrassed that people found out the truth, that I kept this a secret for as long as I could, but the physical effects are starting to take over and I can't hide it any longer. “I've never had that before.” I've been good at accepting help or asking for help, but unfortunately I think I've gotten to the point in my life and health where I'm no longer able to do that , to do physical work, which puts a lot of financial strain on me.

“I understand that we are all going through hard times, so anything helps. Be it your love and support, a donation, sharing my story or sending love, prayers, positive and healing vibes. Everything is accepted and greatly appreciated.”

She also used her GoFundMe statement to thank her loved ones and those around her. “While I have an AMAZING support system, over time it has taken a huge financial, emotional, mental and physical toll on all of us,” she said. She also acknowledged “my amazing medical team for all their time, care and patience” and named several doctors and specialists who helped her with her treatment. “Me and my family thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!” she told them.

But her post ended with a sad update added on September 18 after an appointment with her oncologist. “Unfortunately I didn’t get the best news. Based on my prognosis, I decided to stop the treatments as they would no longer help. I was given three months to live. Three months to spend with my babies and my loved ones.” 3 months to make the most of the time I have left. Over the next few months I have to make sure my children are safe while I'm away and now face the most difficult task of planning my own funeral.

“Since I haven't been able to work for months now, I have neither saved any money nor put aside life insurance for this situation. I've looked at the expenses and need to raise about $5,000 to make sure the funeral costs are covered.” Also, I would like to leave something behind for my babies if you could please donate or share.

“THANKS. And a huge thank you to everyone who has already donated!”

She couldn't have expected what happened next.

Diarte-Carr can now spend the remaining time with her family, free from financial worries and knowing that she has taken care of her children's future; Thanks to the help of sponsors, the two children will be financially secure.

Several donors took to the comments section to recognize the sick mother for her contribution. “Erika, I hope your heart will be at peace knowing that the world already cares for your sweet children. Best wishes and deepest condolences to you. My heart goes out to you and your family,” one person wrote.

Another added: “The way you are handling this situation is a testament to your character. I've been thinking about how lucky your children are to have such a loving and resilient mother. Your love and devotion for her will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on her life.”