This is Laila Ortiz. She’s 7 years old and just finished her 2nd grade school year. She’s a smart, silly, curious, compassionate, and happy girl who loves unicorns, rainbows, Roblox, and Hello Kitty. She loves to read and never misses an opportunity to sing a song or catch a groove - any place, any time. Always laughing and trying to make others laugh.

On May 15, 2025, we discovered our sweet girl was suffering from Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup on the brain), caused by a tumor in the third ventricle. Additionally, the tumor and swelling has severely impacted her eyesight. She had an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery to address the hydrocephalus, which has begun to improve. 

After receiving the pathology results, she’s now being prepared for another surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The tumor is malignant. She’ll have a 4-6 week recovery period following the upcoming surgery, after which she’ll have to undergo Proton Beam Therapy, which is a more targeted form of radiation therapy. After that, another recovery period before starting chemotherapy. 

The proton therapy is a 7-week, daily treatment and unfortunately, is not offered locally. We’ll need to temporarily relocate to receive this treatment, while maintaining our current home and mounting medical bills.

We have a long battle ahead of us, and sincerely appreciate all thoughts, prayers, and assistance. Thank you so much

Edit August 1, 2025

Thank you SO much for everyone's continued support. When this GFM was created, Laila was set to have her 2nd surgery with a goal of removing as much of the Tumor as possible. We were anticipating a week or so of recovery in hospital, followed by a few weeks of recovery at home before beginning radiation followed by chemotherapy. Unfortunately that has not been the case. There were several complications which led to 8 additional surgeries and weeks of sedation.

In addition to the cancer, she now has a condition called Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome (CMS), caused by damage to  her cerebellum during the tumor resection surgery. This condition means she is currently unable to walk, talk or move any of her limbs. It is unknown how long this can or will last, but the hope is that with extensive therapies (physical, occupational, speech etc) she may regain some of these functions over time. She has remained hospitalized, and now has a Tracheostomy. 

She has completed one cycle of Chemotherapy, and is undergoing the second cycle now. Once this cycle is complete, we will go to Atlanta, GA for Proton Beam Therapy (radiation) for 7 weeks, and then return home for the remaining 4 cycles of chemo. She will be receiving therapy for CMS throughout all of this.

We knew based on the original diagnosis of the Pineoblastoma (brain tumor) that the next year would be tough for her, and our family. However this is far beyond what we could have imagined. Today marks 2 months of being in the Pediatric ICU… 2 months since we’ve last talked to her and heard her voice..

Our sweet girl is showing so much strength and courage, and she is fighting every single day. We truly appreciate every donation, thought, prayer and word of encouragement. Please continue to keep Laila in your prayers.