Our family is facing an unexpected and heartbreaking crisis. My brother, Brandon (Miguel) Ortiz, was recently the victim of a shooting while visiting his mom and younger siblings in Utah. What was meant to be time spent with family turned into a life-altering tragedy.

Brandon survived the shooting, and we are incredibly grateful he is still with us. However, his recovery is ongoing, and due to his injuries and medical needs, him and his loving girlfriend, Meridith, are currently unable to travel home. Being stuck in another state has created overwhelming challenges—physically, emotionally, and financially.

While Brandon focuses on healing, the bills continue to pile up. Rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other essential living expenses don’t stop, especially when you’re unable to work and far from home. The cost of simply surviving day to day while recovering has become more than our family can manage alone.

We are raising funds to help cover rent and basic living expenses while Brandon recovers in Utah and works toward getting back on his feet. Every donation will go directly toward ensuring he has a safe place to stay, food on the table, and the basic necessities he needs during this incredibly difficult time.

If you’re unable to donate, we completely understand and would be deeply grateful if you could share this fundraiser and keep Brandon in your thoughts and prayers. Any support—whether financial, emotional, or through sharing—means more to us than words can express.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with Brandon, Meridith and our family during one of the hardest moments of our lives.