Support the Cortez Family

This campaign is for the Cortez Family. On Thursday, December 8th, their daughter Gabi (2.5) went into heart surgery to make improvements and close a hole that has been there since birth. This was Gabi’s third open heart surgery so, while the family is experienced with big procedures such as these, there will always be added anxiety and stress. Gabi’s medical team anticipated a week post-op in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) before moving up to a recovery floor. Unfortunately, the procedure came with many complications and Gabi has been bravely fighting one issue after another. She has been in the CICU for over three months. The resilience that this little girl has shown is only matched by that of her amazing parents and brother.

The Cortez family have been staying at Airbnb’s to be closer to the hospital, and most importantly, closer to Gabi. For almost four months, they have been away from the comfort of their home and apart from their dogs, who bring the whole family so much joy. Due to the unknown nature of Gabi’s recovery and the added months in the hospital, they have had to bounce around to different rentals in the Seattle area, causing their expenses to immensely surpass what was originally planned.

Michelle has been unable to work for nearly four months, as she prioritizes her time to be with Gabi and to be with her son Caleb, whom she and her husband Fito have been home schooling from the AirBnbs. While Michelle’s leave from work was originally scheduled for one month, Gabi’s emergent situation has forced Michelle to extend to an undetermined date of return. Fito is currently enrolled in school full-time studying Homeland Security Emergency Management, spending his days caring for his children while working late in the evenings to complete his degree.

You might ask, what can I do to help? If you can provide financial support to this beautiful family, it would be an incredible help in relieving not only their medical debt, but also to assist with everyday expenses that have become a stressful struggle such as groceries, gas, and lodging. This will help Michelle and Fito focus on continuing to be rockstar parents to both of their children.

By now, you have probably gleaned what an amazing parent Michelle is (and Fito too!). Unsurprisingly, she is also an amazing and talented colleague, as highlighted in this short article: Standing Ovation Michelle Cortez