Donate to Julio Ortiz’s Path Through the End-of-Life

On behalf of Julio Ortiz, his fiancée Brandy, his beloved children, and myself (Co-Parent Suzann) ask for your help during this difficult transition.

In April of this year, Julio received a diagnosis no one wants to hear, “You have cancer.” Immediately, a relationship with a trusted doctor was established. Julio was scared, but said he would fight until his last breath. He wasn’t kidding! Despite all the medications, chemotherapy, radiation, doctor visits, weakness, and extended stays at the hospital, he has fought. As a close friend said, “he’s one tough mother f**ker!” If you know Julio, you know how true that statement is.

On July 28th, 2024, a day that should have been his birthday celebration, took a turn for the worst. After going into cardiac arrest at home Julio was hospitalized; experiencing two additional cardiac episodes at the hospital, resulting in the need for intubation. With the underlying cancer that was now metastasized and doctor’s concern of brain damage, the family started having end-of-life conversations. It was decided treatment would transition to comfort care. What happened next, can only be described as a miracle.

After all medical interventions were discontinued and a long stressful night, on Tuesday, July 30th, Julio woke more alert and responsive. From that moment he continued to show improvement. Everyone was shocked!

Through discussion between Julio and his doctors, full acute care was resumed. Julio gained the opportunity to address his medical wishes, assign trusted loved ones as medical proxy’s, and complete a living will. He was also blessed with time. Time with his fiancée, time with his children, time with his family, and time to keep fighting.

Medical interventions were reintroduce, working towards a goal of building strength to resume cancer treatment. Over the next month efforts were made to maintain healthy vitals, increase nutrition, and gain better mobility. Of course, none of this went without apprehension and setbacks.

Once the medical team determined maximum treatment had been met and stability was reached, it was scheduled for Julio to transfer to a rehabilitation center. There he would receive physical therapy and continue to build strength and mobility. Without flaw, the transition went as planned.

About a week goes by, Julio had a routine cardiology appointment at the hospital. Unfortunately, he would not return to the rehab center as planned. During his visit, Julio was taken to the ER for concern of swelling in his left leg. Last update, he was expected to be discharged Sunday evening.

This is where the story repeats…9/16

Monday morning comes with missed texts and unheard calls. Julio went into cardiac arrest. Although, the lifevest activated, CPR was still required. How long he was without oxygen is unknown.

Now, back on a ventilator, medication for several issues, and signs of severe brain damage, we are face to face with the end-of-life conversation. Part of that is the hardship of planning for a loved one to transition to a better place.

We understand the economic impact everyone is facing, so ask that help be extended in a way that can be accommodated comfortably, even if that is sharing our fundraising.

Thank you for learning about our story, donating, and sharing ❤️ We appreciate even the “smallest” effort. With Love, Brandy, Suzann, Joshua, Jacob, Jaden, Gage, Chance and Billy

**donation goal is approximate and the suggested average cost of cremation, additional services, final affairs, and memorials.