Oscar Ortiz, our Critical Facility Technician in Plano, had an unexpected health event last week. This is never an easy email to write and our hearts hurt for Oscar and his family as they navigate the next stages of healing and pending pathology reports. With much unknown, there is one thing I know for sure and that is Aligned is a comprised of some of the most giving and caring team members around. If you are able, we have set up a GoFundMe to help with meals, medical expenses and relief while he is recovering. I know Oscar, Muriel and his two young boys would also appreciate your thoughts and prayers too!

Below is the email from his sweet wife, Muriel:

Oscar Ortiz is a hardworking, loving husband and father whose world was recently turned upside down. On October 20, after two nights of excruciating back pain, Oscar was admitted to Methodist Richardson Medical Center and initially diagnosed with a blood clot in his left lung. Then came news of a scary, unexpected finding: a large mass in his abdomen, likely cancerous, that could be affecting various organs. Immediately following the news, Oscar experienced what’s called a vagal response and was without a heartbeat for several seconds. At that time, the doctors’ main priority was the removal of the mass, but now had to consider his heart and lung complications. After a second vagal response episode and loss of heartbeat the following day, the doctors determined it would be best to put in a temporary pacemaker prior to the surgery as a preventative measure. On Friday, October 22, Oscar underwent surgery to remove the mass which included removal of his right kidney, spleen, and a part of his pancreas. Thankfully, the surgery was a success. His heart did well and the pacemaker was removed the following day. Currently, he continues to be treated for the blood clot, so now all that is left is to wait on pathology results to see what further treatment will be necessary.

This was very sudden and unexpected for the family. Anyone that knows Oscar knows his dedication to his work and his heart for helping others. The family asks for your continued prayers so he can be home with his boys and as he adjusts to this new normal.