Mother Facing ‘Three Months to Live’ Begins Funeral Planning After Shoulder Pain
In a tragic turn of events, 33-year-old mother of two, Erika Diarte-Carr, is now faced with the unimaginable task of planning her own funeral after receiving a devastating diagnosis that began with what she thought was routine shoulder pain.
Three years ago, Erika sought help in the emergency room for discomfort in her shoulder, expecting a simple check-up. However, her visit quickly turned into a life-changing moment when doctors delivered the heartbreaking news of her terminal condition.
As her symptoms have gradually worsened, Erika has come to terms with the reality of her limited time. In a poignant effort to prepare for what lies ahead, she has established a fundraising page to help cover her funeral costs.
On this page, Erika courageously shared her struggle with accepting her diagnosis. She wrote, “I have felt ashamed and embarrassed for people to know the truth. I kept this a secret for as long as I could, but the physical effects are taking control, and I can’t hide it any longer.”
Her emotional revelation highlights the profound impact of terminal illnesses, not only on those diagnosed but also on their families. Erika’s story serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Mother Faces ‘Three Months to Live’ and Plans Funeral After Shoulder Pain Leads to Cancer Diagnosis
Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old mother of two, continues to share her heart-wrenching journey:
“I’ve never been good at accepting or asking for help, but unfortunately, I’ve reached a point in my life and health where that is no longer an option for me. I am no longer able to work physically, which has created a significant financial burden.”
What began as a complaint of shoulder pain led to the discovery of a highly aggressive form of small cell lung carcinoma, along with multiple tumors throughout her body. For the past three years, Erika has bravely fought cancer while striving to stay strong for her five-year-old daughter Ailiyah and seven-year-old son Jeremiah.
The devastating diagnosis arrived on May 7, 2022, just one day before U.S. Mother’s Day, when Erika learned she had this rare form of cancer. After a brief period of improvement that allowed her to pause treatment, she developed Cushing’s Syndrome on January 17, 2024. This rare hormonal disorder, resulting from excessive cortisol exposure, caused rapid weight gain, body swelling, and deterioration of her muscles and bones.
Although Erika was scheduled to resume her cancer treatment on September 18, 2024, she has made the heart-wrenching decision to forgo further medical interventions. Instead, she wishes to spend her remaining time with her children, having been told just over a week ago that she has only three months left to live.
This poignant story highlights the profound impact of serious illnesses on families and the difficult choices that accompany terminal diagnoses. Erika’s courage in the face of adversity and her unwavering dedication to her children serve as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the most challenging circumstances.
On that same day, she received the heartbreaking news about her prognosis. She shared on her GoFundMe page: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t given the best news. Given my situation, I have decided to discontinue treatments, as they will no longer be effective. I have been told I have three months to live.
“That means three months to spend with my babies and loved ones. Three months to make the most of the time I have left.”