A 30-year-old mother of two has been given a devastating prognosis – just three months to live after battling an aggressive form of cancer for the past two years. Erika Diarte-Carr, residing in Utah with her young son and daughter, is now trying to raise funds to cover her funeral expenses and establish a trust fund for her children’s future.
Diarte-Carr has been fighting small cell lung carcinoma since 2022. What began as a visit to the emergency room for shoulder pain turned into a cancer diagnosis that changed her life and her children’s lives forever.
Originally starting a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 for her funeral costs, Diarte-Carr has received overwhelming support, with more than 30,000 donors contributing over $1 million so far.
Despite her battle with cancer, Diarte-Carr was also diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome in 2024, further complicating her health situation.
What is small cell lung carcinoma?
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a fast-growing and aggressive form of lung cancer, comprising a small percentage of all lung cancer cases. It spreads quickly and is challenging to treat effectively.
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Causes
The leading cause of SCLC is smoking, as per the National Cancer Institute. Cigarette smoke exposes lung cells to carcinogens, leading to mutations that can result in cancer. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and certain industrial chemicals.
