Today we’d like to introduce you to Oscar Ortiz.
Hi Oscar, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m Oscar Ortiz, a lifelong Miamian, husband, father, and passionate childhood cancer advocate. My story is not an uncommon one as I am the son of Cuban exiles who left their country in search of greater opportunities for themselves and their children (I’m the oldest of four brothers). I graduated from Christopher Columbus High School and FIU, worked in a sales role in corporate America my entire career.
In October of 2015, that seemingly perfect world took dramatic turn when my middle son, Sebastian, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. After a difficult 14 month journey that included over 30 rounds of chemo, 23 rounds of radiation, and four surgeries, we lost Sebastian on December 29th, 2016. Through that journey, I learned so much about the lack of innovation and funding for childhood cancer research and felt I needed to do something. That experience led to the creation of the SebastianStrong Foundation.
We fund innovative cancer research for children — SebastianStrong Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2017 in memory of 16-year-old cancer warrior Sebastian Ortiz for the purpose of finding less toxic, more targeted childhood cancer cures. It has received the highest level of recognition for transparency from GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations.
We also provide support to children and families in the battle – from direct financial support to hosting activities at local hospitals & clinics. Because kids deserve better — Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease for children, yet only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget goes to childhood cancers. Sebastian’s treatment was over 40 years old, brutal, and highly toxic. It took his life in just 14 months.
Promising treatments that just missed the cut by other foundations — Our research investment strategy is like no other; we don’t compete with other charities; we collaborate with them to fund innovative research that may not otherwise receive funding. We support bold ideas that use innovative methodologies and out-of-the-box approaches. Since inception, we’ve funded nearly $2 million in research providing hope where there are currently no other treatment options.
A kid you love could be next — Kids’ cancers are different than adult cancers and current treatments are harsh, toxic, and often ineffective. Since Richard Nixon started the War on Cancer in 1971, only 6 new drugs have been approved for specific use on kids while over 600 have been approved for adults. Recently diagnosed children, and their families, shouldn’t have to realize for the first time that curing childhood cancer is not a national priority. Please help us give something more than hope… give them the promise of innovative research, treatments, and cures.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The loss of a child is the most devastating pain a human can experience. As difficult as this journey has been I do feel fortunate to be able to channel the pain into something positive that also honors Sebastian. As far as the challenges we’ve faced as a foundation, there are many. The truth is that although we are a non-profit, we are also a business that is trying to grow its impact. There is always pressure to make sure you are being as efficient as possible with the money that’s been donated to you.
In addition to funding research, providing financial support, & hosting activities for kids in treatment, I also work with parents who’ve lost a child. As I shared earlier, the experience of the loss is horrible and the current support environment for parents who’ve lost a child is limited. Making myself available to support them through this journey, can take me down some dark paths as well. But, I view it as part of my responsibility in paying it forward by helping them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I always say that I hate why I do what I do for a living and feel strongly that will always be the case. However, I’m grateful to have been able to turn this tragedy into something positive. As I shared earlier, we focus on funding much-needed childhood cancer research as well as supporting families who are in financial need due to a diagnosis.
What I’m most proud of is the impact the work we do has on families who’ve had to deal with or are currently dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis. The work we do provides hope to those families and that hope is the most powerful tool we have, it represents the belief that you will get to the other side of this difficult journey.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We have demonstrated throughout civilization that we are capable of great innovations that have changed the course of history. Just look at how much has changed in the last 45 years from technology to the medical field and advancements in treatments for so many things.
Unfortunately, despite all these advances, childhood cancer has been left behind. Sebastian’s only treatment option is over 45 years old!!! That’s absolutely ridiculous considering how far we’ve come with adult cancers. We are capable of greatness when we focus our efforts. KIDS DESERVE BETTER!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sebastianstrong.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebsstrong
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SebastianStrong.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sebastianstrong
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sebsstrong
