Evelyn Martinez Ortega

Hello everyone,

My name is CeeCee Weight, and I am a teacher at Hueneme High School in Oxnard, California. I am reaching out to you on behalf of one of our beloved Seniors, Evelyn Martinez Ortega, an Honors and AP student who was diagnosed in the spring of 2023 with a rare type of cancer called Diffuse Midline Gliomas. We have learned that this is a rare glial tumor subtype affecting the primary central nervous system (CN). Her family needs financial support for ongoing care and other expenses they might accrue as a result of having this aggressive and life-threatening form of cancer. Hilario Montiel, Evelyn's father, authorizes this GoFundMe for Evelyn.

Since receiving the devastating news, Evelyn's medical team at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles has tried to provide hope and improve Evelyn's health by administering a medication that is under Clinical Trials. Unfortunately, the tumors have continued to attack her nervous system, gradually affecting her ability to carry out even the simplest of tasks independently. Evelyn is now at her home under hospice care and most recently lost motor functions in her arms and everything below the waist. Her Medical Team has shared that this aggressive form of cancer could start affecting other core sets of necessary life functions.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Evelyn attended girls camp with her church youth group and enjoyed hiking, swimming, and tubing. She had been living an active life, particularly enjoying her passion for soccer and playing for Hueneme High School. It was during soccer practice that she experienced discomfort in her back which eventually led to difficulties with using her legs.

Evelyn is a mother figure to her two younger siblings, also students at Hueneme High School. Evelyn has been a great role model and example to them. She encourages them to have God in their lives and often takes the lead in trying to get them to church on Sundays and other church youth activities throughout the year.

She loves spending time with her family, and weekends are usually spent with her loving Dad and siblings. She helps her siblings understand the importance of education. She has been accepted to Mount Saint Mary's College on scholarship, and more acceptance letters from different colleges continue to arrive.

Evelyn's strength and resilience throughout this ordeal have been genuinely inspiring. Despite receiving this devastating news and facing numerous obstacles, Evelyn maintains a positive outlook and remains determined to fight with all her might. Evelyn's battle with this aggressive disease has been relentless, but although she has a very supportive family, they cannot do this alone and need help financially. As her condition worsens, Evelyn requires care and support to navigate through her daily life.

That's where we come in. We can help make a real difference in Evelyn's life by providing the financial support that will allow her to be in her home, surrounded by her family. Funds raised through this campaign will go towards covering Evelyn's ongoing hospice care and any other financial burden accrued by the Ortega family during this difficult time. Our hope and goal is to alleviate the financial burden on the Martinez Ortega family, allowing them to focus solely on Evelyn's well-being without the added financial stress. Every donation, whether big or small, will contribute to Evelyn's comfort in her home. Please join us in rallying behind Evelyn as she bravely confronts this formidable challenge with cancer. Your generosity and support will mean the world to her and her family during this difficult time.

For those who would like to join us in praying for Evelyn, her friends and family have set alarms to ring at 9 AM daily when we take a moment to collectively pray that Evelyn is strengthened and finds peace and understanding as she goes through this difficult trial in her life. We invite you to join us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and compassion.

With gratitude,

CeeCee Weight