Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old mom of two from Utah, is going through a heart-wrenching actuality after being given simply three months to dwell. The younger mother was identified with Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma in Could 2022 whereas present process shoulder surgical procedure. Her journey has been each bodily and emotionally taxing, and in January, she obtained one other devastating prognosis: Cushing Syndrome.
This uncommon dysfunction, attributable to an overproduction of cortisol, impacts solely a small fraction of the inhabitants—between 40 to 70 folks out of each million, based on the Nationwide Institutes of Well being. The syndrome, if left untreated, could be life-threatening, including additional complexity to Erika’s already tough battle with most cancers.
On her GoFundMe web page, Erika lately shared the grim information from her oncologist. “I’ve been given 3 months to dwell,” she wrote. “3 months to spend with my infants and family members. 3 months to make the perfect of what time I’ve left.” Her kids, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5, are on the forefront of her ideas as she faces the unimaginable job of planning her personal funeral.
With monetary considerations weighing closely, Erika defined that she has been unable to work and has no life insurance coverage or financial savings. “I would like to ensure my youngsters shall be okay after I’m gone,” she wrote. Her preliminary aim was to lift $5,000 to cowl funeral prices and depart one thing behind for her kids.
In a unprecedented present of assist, Erika’s story has touched the hearts of many. As of this week, her GoFundMe has raised over $840,000 from greater than 29,000 donors, far surpassing her preliminary aim. Humbled by the generosity, she plans to arrange a belief fund for her kids. “That method, I can depart behind one thing for them and nonetheless guarantee they will be okay as they develop up,” Erika shared.
Her gratitude shines by means of as she displays on the kindness of strangers. “Me and my household thanks ALL from the underside of our hearts,” she wrote, including, “[My children] are my complete life, gentle, and soul. My kids are my struggle and what hold me going.”
Within the little time she has left, Erika hopes to create lasting reminiscences together with her kids. The three will quickly embark on a particular journey collectively, and she or he’s hopeful they are going to spend one last Christmas as a household.
