Nik’s Medical Journey-No One Fights Alone
Hello everyone! I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my 17 year old brother Nikolas Ortiz. In September of 2021, Nik had his wisdom teeth removed and two days later had a seizure. We consulted with a neurologist in Albuquerque and Nik was recovering well. About two months ago, Nik developed eye pain and was rapidly losing his vision. He was diagnosed with optic neuritis and intracranial hypertension (an increase of spinal fluid). These diagnoses, as well as his vision loss, prompted an emergency flight to and a 12-day stay at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.
There he underwent bloodwork, a spinal tap, and many MRIs. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and given 7 days worth of IV steroids as well as two rounds of IVIG infusions. To find the exact autoimmune diagnosis, the doctors performed a full body MRI and found a nodule on his thyroid. After an ultrasound, scan, and biopsy of the nodule Nik was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer.
Nik was discharged on December 11th and at home before again being airlifted to The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio on December 19th for severe neck and head pain. He was additionally diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis and received 5 days worth of IV steroids again. Due to this hospital stay, his previously scheduled total thyroidectomy was canceled and he was referred to the Texas Children’s Hospital Thyroid Cancer Program in Houston. He was discharged on December 31st. During this time we were not able to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s together as a family and instead did so through Zoom. My mom has been with Nik every step of the way and I have been at home in Las Cruces, New Mexico taking care of my siblings.
Next steps moving forward, we will be in Houston on Wednesday, January 5th. Nik will have a pre-op work up including an ultrasound with nodule mapping, lab work, an oncology appointment, and an appointment with his ENT surgeon. His total thyroidectomy should be scheduled after Wednesday. Now that his surgery and all related appointments are taking place within the new year, a new deductible and out-of-pocket expenses have to be met up front. We are hoping that after his surgery Nik will be able to finish out his senior year and graduate in May with his senior class of 2022!
A special thank you to those who have provided dinners and reached out to our family! Please continue to lift Nik up in your thoughts and prayers!
Any donations would be greatly appreciated to help with medical, travel, and other unexpected expenses.
