Erika Carr Ogden Utah Cancer: 7 Heartbreaking Facts

In May 2022, Erika Carr Ogden Utah Cancer received life-altering news: she was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer. At just 30 years old, the single mother of two began a battle not only for her health, but for the future of her children.

In this article, we share seven heartbreaking yet inspiring facts about the Erika Carr Ogden Utah cancer diagnosis, her fight, and the viral GoFundMe campaign that touched thousands of lives.

Table of Contents

1. The Shocking Cancer Diagnosis Came After a Shoulder Pain

Erika Carr Ogden Utah Cancer went to the ER in May 2022 due to persistent shoulder pain. What doctors found was devastating — stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma that had already spread to her bones and organs.

Despite being a non-smoker and leading a healthy life, Erika was faced with a terminal diagnosis. The news devastated her family and shook the Ogden, Utah community.

2. Erika Was Diagnosed With Cushing’s Syndrome Later

In early 2024, Erika was diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome, a condition caused by excess cortisol. This made her condition worse — causing rapid weight gain, weakening bones, and blood pressure spikes.

She documented her health struggles publicly, inspiring many while raising awareness about this rare condition that compounded her cancer treatment challenges.

3. She Launched a GoFundMe Campaign for Her Funeral

Erika, fully aware of her limited time, created a GoFundMe campaign in September 2024 to raise $5,000 for her funeral and her children’s future. She wrote:

“My only concern is that my children will be okay.”

Her honesty and vulnerability touched thousands, and her story went viral across social media.

4. The Campaign Surpassed $1 Million in Donations

To everyone’s surprise, her GoFundMe raised over $1.2 million, thanks to the generosity of over 38,000 donors. The funds are now in a trust to support her children, Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5).

This overwhelming support made Erika feel at peace in her final days, knowing her kids would be taken care of.

5. She Stopped Treatment to Spend Final Days With Her Children

In September 2024, Erika was told that treatment was no longer working. Rather than prolong suffering, she chose to spend her last moments with her children and family.

She passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, just one day before her son’s baptism — a moment she deeply hoped to witness.

6. Erika’s Story Inspired Nationwide Support

Her bravery was recognized nationwide, and her story was featured on People, ABC News, and more. Strangers from across the U.S. shared condolences and helped raise awareness of terminal cancer in young women.

Her journey encouraged more people to donate, share, and rally around single parents in similar situations.

7. Her Children Will Be Cared For Thanks to the Fund

The most heartbreaking yet beautiful outcome is that Erika’s legacy lives on. Her children now have a financial cushion and a story of courage and sacrifice to carry with them.

Her sister and legal guardian will ensure the money supports their education and well-being, just as Erika wished.

Conclusion

The story of Erika Carr Ogden Utah Cancer, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. From her devastating cancer diagnosis to raising over $1 million through GoFundMe, her strength and love for her children will never be forgotten.