Erika Diarte-Carr, a 30-year-old single mother from Utah, has tragically passed away following her battle with terminal cancer. Known for raising over $1 million for her funeral and her two children, Jeremiah and Aaliyah, Erika’s journey touched many hearts. Initially seeking just $5,000 through a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and leave something behind for her children, the fundraiser surpassed all expectations, raising nearly $1.2 million. Erika’s family announced her passing over the weekend, with her cousin Angelique Rivera sharing the news on Facebook, expressing admiration for Erika’s strength in her final days.
Erika was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) in 2022 after what she thought was a routine shoulder injury. By the time doctors identified the tumors, the cancer had already metastasized to various parts of her body, leaving her with a grim prognosis. Despite her condition, Erika continued to work full-time and care for her children, demonstrating remarkable resilience throughout her battle.
In her final GoFundMe update, Erika expressed gratitude for the donations, sharing that her family could now plan a memorable trip together before her passing. She also revealed that she and her children had planned to get baptized shortly before her death, a moment meant to create lasting memories for her loved ones.
Erika’s strength and the overwhelming support she received have left a profound impact on those who followed her story. Her family now hopes to honor her legacy and continue the support for her children during this incredibly difficult time.
