Support Marielle Ortiz's Battle with Breast Cancer

Dear friends and family,

I’m reaching out to share the story of my incredible girlfriend, Marielle Ortiz, who has recently been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. This devastating news came just two weeks before her birthday, turning what should have been a time of celebration into a challenging journey.

Marielle has undergone a series of extensive tests, including a mammogram, biopsy, MRI, CT scan, and bone scan, confirming that she is at stage 1c. Over the next few months, Marielle will undergo sixteen rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and possibly radiation.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Marielle’s spirit remains unbroken. She is a talented painter, singer, and horticulturist, radiating creativity and beauty in everything she does. Even now, she feels nothing but gratitude for her supportive friends, family, coworkers, and the dedicated team at Scripps. Marielle always sees the best in others, even in trying moments—like when someone cuts her off on the road.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of doctor appointments and medical tests, but through it all, Marielle has shown remarkable strength and compassion. It’s been tough for many of us to find the right words, but her resilience inspires everyone around her.

We’re creating this GoFundMe to help cover her medical expenses and support her during this difficult time. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in easing her burden as she focuses on her recovery.

Thank you for your love, support, and generosity. Together, we can help Marielle fight this battle with the strength she brings to all of our lives.