Jayden Climbs His Biggest Mountain

In 2012, at the age of 3, Jayden Noah Ortiz was among several children in California suddenly stricken by a mysterious illness that causes polio-like paralysis. What began as persistent flu-like symptoms, followed by escalating pain in Jayden’s neck and right arm, quickly surpassed the Ortiz’s imagination. “Within 24 hours, Jayden became paralyzed,” Jayden’s mom said. “It was devastating.” Jayden was diagnosed with enterovirus D68, which is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As Jayden’s condition worsened, his respiratory function become more compromised. He required complex treatment from various pediatric subspecialists, including tracheostomy and a ventilator to help his breathing, a gastrostomy tube to help with food intake, pediatric rehabilitation therapy to increase his mobility, and more. “Through it all, Jayden has never complained about anything,” Jayden’s dad said. “When someone asked, ‘Why did this happen?’ Jayden said, ‘Only God knows why.’ He’s been so mature in how he’s handled this.”

                Shortly after being diagnosed with enterovirus D68, Jayden started to develop scoliosis. Dr. Elliott, from Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno, California, believes the muscle-weakening effects of enterovirus D68 contributed to Jayden’s development of scoliosis. In May of 2014, for the first time in California, and the first of Dr. Elliott’s career, Jayden was given surgery to insert an adjustable rod into his spine. The procedure dramatically decreased the curvature in his spine from 50 to 20 degrees. Four years passed, and the Ortiz family was hit with a life-threatening decision. Jayden, now 8 years old, needed to go into surgery once again, as his rib cage was beginning to collapse his one good lung, making it difficult for him to breathe and function daily. On May 1st, his surgery day, Jayden did not complain once. He held onto his faith and scripture: Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things thru Christ that strengthens me.” He went in with faith and came out blessed and strengthened yet again, astonishing the doctors with his high tolerance to pain and determination to fight and stay positive through it all. Currently, Jayden is awaiting to be discharged with a special machine to assist him with his breathing and once again be at home with his family, because family means everything to him.

He is our “Little Superman”. He remains humbled yet determined. His dream is to become a doctor himself one day, as he has become very savvy of all the medical terminology when it comes to his diagnosis. His also hopes to help other children going through similar illnesses and is eager to share his story and raise awareness. Jayden is an amazing kid and an inspiration to us all! Because Jayden and his family has been through so much, we have decided to start this gofundme to show our love and support during financial hardship. Because dad is the sole provider of the family of five, while mom is home to provide the necessary home care that Jayden needs, we want to help relieve the stress and strain of increasing medical expenses. We thank you all and appreciate all the prayers and support. God bless you all.