Let's beat Danny's Colon Cancer.

Danny's Battle:

Our beloved friend Danny Ortega was recently diagnosed with colon cancer at just 26 years old.

As a Mexican immigrant, Danny grew up in New Brunswick, NJ. He faced adversity as a DACA recipient and by coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in a traditional Latin household. Since coming out, Danny has been able to persevere, proudly graduating from Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a Master's Degree in Social Work and Addiction Psychology in 2019.

Later that year, Danny was diagnosed with ongoing diverticulitis. Shortly after, he had an emergency colectomy following two diverticula rupturing. This resulted in Danny wearing an ostomy bag for several months. During this time, Danny never let his spirit down and made the most of every day to smile and make others feel loved.

Danny moved to Mexico at the height of the Pandemic in 2020 to seek stability and a more prosperous future for himself. Though a tough decision to leave his friends, family, and chosen family, Danny made sure to always be in touch with those he loved and stayed just a text message or a call away. Setting his roots down in Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, he managed to find great employment and allowed his life to flourish.

Sadly, Danny's original diagnosis reappeared back at the start Summer 2022, where he was diagnosed with sepsis due to previous complications with his colon. Still, Danny overcame this battle.

As of April 2023, a mass was found on the wall of Danny's colon and he was officially diagnosed with Stage 1 colon cancer. Due to Mexico's unfairly selective healthcare system, in order for Danny to get the growing cancer removed, he would have to wait 6 months for the earliest procedure or hope for an appointment at an oversaturated social security hospital, putting the risk of the cancer growing at a greater chance.

The diverticulitis, sepsis, and other diagnoses have weakened his immune system, heightening the threat the cancer has to his health. With Danny's status as a DACA recipient of the United States and his the decision to move to Mexico for a better future, no one could predict the unfortunate. He is not able to return to the United States and must seek care in Mexico.

Danny has been nothing short of a superhero and an amazing friend and family member to those who love him. Reaching out at tough times, having those difficult conversations, always ready to give the advice and perspectives that only come from a true friend. He has always been accepting and considerate of every aspect of every person he has come in contact with.

Through many obstacles in his young life, Danny has always been there with a fighting spirit for others, rarely asking for help for himself. We are asking for your support and donations to help Danny fight this battle. Our goal of $15,000 will provide the immediate health care that Danny is in dire need of.

Danny needs our support now more than ever!