Hello, universe, my name is Elio Angel Ortega, and, yes, that's my wacky family up there. Yesenia, my wife, Daniel my youngest son, and Luke the oldest round out the clan. This is my second attempt at writing our story (accidently deleted the first copy!) and over the last few years my young family has fought and dealt with this terrible disease of cancer that seems to afflict too many of our beloved loved ones and friends. My wife, Yesenia who's my sunshine and soul mate on this rollercoaster of life was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a few years back and had to get it removed in order to stop it from spreading. Subsequent radiation treatments, and a newly discoverd auto-immune condition has taken a toll of my wife's health and our family. Our youngest son, Daniel is also a cancer survivor (Lymphoma) and thankfully is in remission. She had to leave her employer to focus on her recovery, and I ended up leaving my job to care of our family. The treatments and vitamins that are aided her recovery have dwindled our savings and left us on the verge of banruptcy and possible eviction. I had to take employment, back in New York city where I was raised, and now I need some help. I write these words with not an ounce of shame or pride. Every cent that comes from this will go to my wife's supplements and medication, to keep the lights on and to give my young sons a decent Christmas. Our sons have excelled academically and in atheletics even with all of this going on, and I can not be more proud of them. Daniel loves minecraft, leggos, drawing and is obsessed with music (Juju on the beat?!) Luke, is in his first year of middle school and is the most responsible 11 year old I have ever met. He loves Football, Basketball and Pokemon Go! My Wife, Yesenia, loves the Beach, caring for our boys and Led Zepellin. I have faith that things will be alright and that this is just a rough patch. I believe in the good in this universe and as the anchor in my family, I will never give up hope. I put the number at $10,000 but i know that this time a year is tough on alot of us financially and anything will help. Anybody who's ever known me, be it from the wireless or banking industry to friends from college and family know that I'm a very honest and private person when it comes to my family. I always teach my son's to aspire to become anything they want in this life. To dream and to be of help to others in need. This is how my grandparents raised me, and now I humbly ask for any assitance. If there's anybody who has some career advice or opportunities (in NYC or Florida) please let us know. I have always been a motivator to my friends and family alike, and I'm still here to offer a pep talk to whomever may need it. My son always makes me laugh, when he came up with our family motto: "Ortega's don't quit, dad", he would say. We don't, my son. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please feel free to message me on Facebook to find out more about my family and our plight. My life is an open book and I want to share the difference any contribution can have on us. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe new year. God bless.
From the Ortega's. Angel, Yesenia, Daniel and Luke