### Heartbreaking Loss: Single Mother Erika Diarte-Carr’s Legacy Lives On
A devoted single mother of two, Erika Diarte-Carr, has tragically passed away at just 30 years old.
Her battle with terminal cancer has drawn both sorrow and admiration from her community.
Erika died on October 12, but her story is one of resilience and hope amid overwhelming challenges.
Diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma in May 2022, her life took a devastating turn.
The details What she thought was a simple shoulder injury became a life-altering diagnosis. as chilling as they are distressing.
Doctors revealed she had “multiple tumors” throughout her body, a shocking twist for the young mother.
As if that weren’t enough, in January 2024, she faced another blow: a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome.
This rare disorder caused rapid weight gain and severe deterioration of her muscles and bones.
Despite these harrowing challenges, Erika’s determination to secure her children’s future remained unyielding.
### A Community Rallies Around Erika
In the face of her prognosis, Erika launched a GoFundMe campaign to protect her kids financially.
On May 7, 2022, just before Mother’s Day, she shared her heart-wrenching story online.
“I walked into the emergency room thinking it was just a normal shoulder injury,” she wrote.
Her initial goal was a modest $5,000, but the outpouring of support was staggering.
Over 38,000 generous donors helped raise nearly $1.2 million.
This incredible response not only covered her funeral expenses but also established a trust fund for her children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5.
Erika worked tirelessly to balance treatment and time with her kids, never losing sight of her family.
However, on September 18, she made the difficult decision to stop treatments.
“I have been given 3 months to live,” she wrote.
She was determined to make every moment count with her beloved children.
Tragically, Erika’s time ran out sooner than expected.
### A Heartfelt Farewell
On the day of her passing, her cousin Angelique Rivera took to Facebook to share the sad news.
“She fought a long and hard battle. She was strong and held on as long as she could for her babies,” Rivera posted.
Gratitude poured in from supporters who had followed Erika’s journey.
Knowing her time was limited, Erika faced the daunting task of planning her own funeral.
By late September, her GoFundMe campaign had surpassed $1 million, reflecting a wave of empathy.
Erika’s story resonated deeply, showcasing the power of community support in the darkest times.
Final arrangements were made to ensure her wishes were meticulously honored.
On October 3, just days before her passing, she updated her donors.
“Your support has had a positive impact on my kids’ lives,” she expressed, a touching acknowledgment of their generosity.
Erika’s spirit and determination left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the incredible community that rallied around her.
The 38,000+ donations serve as a powerful reminder of the kindness humanity can show.
Our thoughts go out to Erika’s family during this devastating time.
Her legacy will live on through her children and the love she shared.
In this heartbreaking story, Erika Diarte-Carr remains a beacon of hope and strength.
Stay tuned for more updates as we honor her memory and support her family.