Gabriel Isidore Ortiz

In the year 2020, just 48 hours prior to Christmas, we were met with the heartbreaking news that our son Gabriel had developed brain cancer. At that time, he was merely 4 years old and given a prognosis of less than a year to live. Our world was shattered, and our lives underwent an irreversible transformation.

On December 28, 2020, Gabriel underwent a critical brain surgery performed by the medical team at CHLA. They managed to biopsy and extract a staggering 95% of the brain tumor that had been growing within his head. Shortly thereafter, he was officially diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an advanced stage IV brain cancer. Once again, we were devastated by this diagnosis, for there existed no known cure, and Gabriel’s life expectancy was predicted to be just 1 to 2 years. However, his oncologist reassured us that every conceivable effort would be made to provide Gabriel with a fighting chance.

Over the ensuing year and a half, Gabriel encountered numerous challenges, including undergoing radiation therapy, commencing immunotherapy treatment as an alternative to chemotherapy, frequent visits to the ER, overnight hospital stays, and episodes of both tonic-clonic and focal seizures. Through all the adversity, Gabriel was making good progress into 2022. We were on a high, enjoying our time as a family and living our life as “normal” as possible when were faced with yet another setback. Gabriel’s cancer had spread to the spine.

Due to the severity of the spinal tumor, Gabriel was admitted into CHLA for two whole months. The development of the spinal tumor had already caused enough damage that affected Gabriel’s ability to stand. While at CHLA, he underwent more radiation therapy, started a new form of immunotherapy treatment, and began both physical and occupational therapy. Within four months after being discharged from CHLA, Gabriel’s resiliency inspired us yet again as he began to not only stand but to walk on his own again. It was a true testament of his incredible spirit.

At the beginning 2023, we were faced with our toughest challenge yet. Gabriel’s tumors had continued to spread, not only in the spine but there was now new growth in the brain as well. Due to the rapid growth, is oncologist believed he had a matter of days to weeks to live. Faced with no alternative treatments, we decided to stop his current treatment and transition him to hospice care, with a focus on enhancing his quality of life.

As we began hospice, we saw a sudden decline in Gabriel’s health. He lost strength in his legs again and was no longer walking or standing, he began to experience headaches, blurry vision, persistent nausea, often resulting in daily vomiting – all signs we were told to expect. On top of that, came the tough conversations and questions from Gabriel himself; “Dad what’s heaven like?”, “Mom, who’s in heaven that we know?”, “My imaginary friend told me heaven is like this..”. Although we had refrained from explicitly informing Gabriel about his prognosis, we sensed that somehow, he understood.

As the days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, a glimmer of hope emerged as we observed less symptoms and a positive change overall in Gabriel’s health. Since it appeared he was no longer regressing, we decided to keep an MRI appointment that was scheduled prior to us taking him off treatment. We were hoping the MRI would reveal a slowdown in tumor growth, potentially giving us a bit more time with Gabriel.

On July 11, 2023, the day following Gabriel’s MRI scan, we received a call from his oncologist, “The tumors have shrunk!” she exclaimed. We were overwhelmed with emotion to hear the news and learn that 75% of the mass-like images shown in his prior MRI were no longer there. It was nothing short of a miracle.

Throughout the past few years, we have been through a roller coaster of emotions. Fortunately for us, we have been blessed to have the support of our family, friends, and community through it all. Many of you have extended your love, support, and prayers throughout this tumultuous journey. It is through your sincerity and compassion that helps us carry this cross we are given.

We have been so fortunate up to this point not to seek financial assistance. When Gabriel entered hospice however, we took on the financial responsibility to secure not only his burial spot but ours as well. The thought of burying Gabriel in his final resting spot alone was not something we could bear. With the increasing needs of Gabriel and our burial arrangements we’ve established this GoFundMe page to alleviate some of our financial challenges. Any contribution, whether large or small, would make a significant difference. If you cannot contribute financially, your prayers and support are equally valued. Sharing this page will also help us reach a broader audience.

May God continue to bless you and your family with an abundance of peace, joy, and love.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.