Facing the Unthinkable: A Mother's Journey to Plan Her Own Funeral

Erika Diarte-Carr, a 33-year-old mother of two, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, small cell lung carcinoma, and an even rarer condition, Cushing Syndrome. The Utah-based mom knew she had to take control of her situation, so she started planning her own funeral to ensure her children's future is secure. This extraordinary decision wasn't taken lightly; it was a necessary step to secure her kids' well-being. Diarte-Carr's journey began when she was hospitalized for shoulder surgery in May 2022. After a series of tests, she received the devastating news that she had only three months left to live. The young mom was determined to make the most of the time she had left and focus on providing for her children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5. To make matters more challenging, Diarte-Carr had been unable to work for months due to her illness. She had no savings or life insurance to fall back on, leaving her with a daunting task: raising enough money to cover funeral expenses and leave a trust fund for her children. The GoFundMe page was launched, and as of Saturday afternoon, it had far surpassed its original goal, with over $840,000 from more than 29,000 donations. Despite the overwhelming support, Diarte-Carr remains humble and focused on her goal. She is determined to leave a lasting legacy for her children and ensure their financial security. The money left over after her funeral will be set aside in a trust fund, providing for their future and giving them the opportunity to grow and thrive without financial burdens. Diarte-Carr's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of planning for the unexpected. Her courage and determination in the face of adversity are an inspiration to us all, and her selflessness will have a lasting impact on her children's lives.