Update:

Over two years ago, our lives changed forever when my dad, Ramiro, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Since then, he has faced this battle with incredible strength and determination through countless hospital stays, chemotherapy treatments, doctor appointments, and, most recently, a stem cell transplant. My dad has always been the one taking care of everyone else. He is a loving husband, father of five, grandfather, and one of the hardest-working people you’ll ever meet. He has spent his life providing for our family and helping anyone who needed him. We were filled with hope that the stem cell transplant would be the turning point in his journey. Unfortunately, it was not successful. His leukemia has returned, and he is now being admitted back to Moffitt Cancer Center as his doctors work to determine the next treatment options. While there are still many unknowns, we remain hopeful and continue praying for more time and more opportunities to fight this disease. Because of his illness, my dad has been unable to work for the past two months, and we don’t know when he’ll be able to return. The financial burden continues to grow as my parents face everyday living expenses while also navigating ongoing cancer treatment. My mom has been carrying so much on her shoulders, and although my siblings and I are helping however we can, we are unfortunately not in a position to fully support them financially. We’re asking our community once again for help. Any donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward helping my parents with household expenses and easing some of the financial stress during this incredibly difficult time. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping my dad in your prayers means just as much. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has stood beside our family over these past two years. Your generosity, prayers, and words of encouragement have carried us through some of our darkest moments. Please continue to keep my dad, Ramiro, in your thoughts and prayers as he continues this fight. We are holding onto hope and believing that his story is not over. With love and gratitude, The Ortiz Family ❤️

Help Our Dad During His Stem Cell Transplant Journey

Hi everyone,

Our dad is preparing for a stem cell transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa on September 19th. This transplant is a critical step in his fight for health and healing.

As part of the recovery process, he will need to stay close to the hospital for at least 2 months after the procedure. Normally, the hospital provides housing assistance, but unfortunately, our family does not qualify. Because Dad is the main provider for our family, this sudden and unexpected expense has put us in a very difficult place.

About Our Dad

For the past 25 years, Dad has been the steady provider for our family. Long before that, he stepped into the role of father to two little girls he had no obligation to raise—yet he chose to, with love and commitment. That’s who he is at his core: a man who will always give of himself, even if it means giving the shirt off his back. He’s the kind of person you can call when you need help, and he never hesitates to show up for others.

Today, he is the proud father of five children and the grandfather to two little girls who light up whenever they see him. They adore their grandpa, and he treasures every moment with them. More than anything, we want him to have the chance to watch them grow up and create many more years of memories together. He is deeply loved, and now he needs help so he can continue to be here for all of us.

Why We’re Asking for Support

Since his diagnosis a year ago, Dad has had to cut back on working, and my mom has carried the heavy burden of being the only full-time provider. On top of working full time, her insurance is what covers Dad’s medical bills. With bill after bill stacking up, the added cost of lodging near the hospital has become more than we can handle on our own.

Because Dad will need around-the-clock care, my grandparents (his mom and dad) will be staying in the home with him during recovery. This means the rent will be higher to cover an additional bedroom, and it also means added expenses for their gas and groceries while they dedicate themselves to caring for him. With my mom working full time and the rest of us living three hours away, their help is a blessing—and supporting them is part of supporting Dad’s healing.

My dad is never the person to ask for financial help—he has always been the one giving, not receiving. I am creating this fundraiser because I see the burden this is placing on my parents and grandparents, and I want to find our family the help they so deeply deserve during this time.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

• Safe housing near Moffitt for 2 months (including the added cost for his caregivers to stay)

• Gas and groceries for my grandparents while they care for Dad

• Basic living expenses during his recovery

• Relieving the financial strain on my mom while she continues to work full time

Our Gratitude

As much as Dad needs support, so does Mom—she has been carrying so much on her shoulders through this fight. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference for them both. If you are unable to give, we would be so grateful if you could share this page and keep our family in your prayers.

Thank you for standing with us during this chapter. Your kindness means more than words can ever express.

With love and gratitude,

The Ortiz Family