Hi, my name is Sandra Ortiz and I'm a single mother, full time employee, and a full time medical patient. For the past three years, my life has revolved around countless doctor visits, procedures, and medical challenges all while raising my teenage daughter.

I’ve been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, putting pressure on my spinal cord and causing a wide range of painful, debilitating symptoms. In addition to this, I’m also dealing with: Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis, Herniated disc, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Neuropathy in my legs.

For those that didn’t know me prior to receiving these diagnosis, I was really active doing everything from bike riding, running 5K, training for my first full marathon, rock, climbing, long boarding. I have not been able to do any active activity. It’s physically impossible and painful. My life has changed rapidly and I can’t keep up. The moment I get answers for one medical condition, a new one arises.

We recently discovered 8 cm mass on my hip, which is causing significant pain and awaiting biopsy and surgical removal

I’m currently under the care of six different specialists, including my primary care doctor, a neurologist, neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, pain management doctor, and soon a rheumatologist.

October 2024: First spinal injection, it worsened my condition.

December 2024: Carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand . I will still need surgery on my left hand.

September 2024 to Present: Working from home through reasonable accommodations. In April 2025, I started physical and aquatic therapy twice a week. I am now facing surgery and treatment for a large mass in my hip. Advocating for myself in the healthcare system has been exhausting, but necessary. If I hadn’t pushed for additional imaging recently, doctors would’ve missed the giant mass growing in my hip, which now severely affects my mobility and quality of life.

I’ve done everything I can to manage this alone and by having small fundraisers, reaching out to friends and family, but the medical bills, therapy costs, mobility aids, and medications are overwhelming. All donations will go toward:

Medical co pays and procedures, like spine injections, carpal tunnel surgery to relieve the pain in my hands and wrist. Physical and aquatic therapy. Pain management and prescription medications. Mobility aids and related health needs.

I understand how hard things are financially for everyone, so please only give if you're able. Every bit of help, even just sharing this page, means the world to me and my child.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, donating, sharing, and sending love and support. You are making a difference in our lives.

With gratitude,

Sandra