Esther Ortega has been an agent in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Market Center, in far South Texas, for two and a half years. She and her husband are dedicated to their four children: Jose Angel Jr. (18), Nathaniel JC (16), Genesis Anisah (12), and King Nehemiah (3).

On March 5th, 2022, Esther’s family got the news every parent dreads: her son was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia also known as ALL.

Traveling for Care

Nathaniel is fortunate enough to receive treatment at the top-notch MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, but it’s a drive across half of Texas, and they go every two weeks.

A one-way trip takes 5 hours—they’ve made the drive 27 times—and Nathaniel is still receiving treatment.

Not only does Nathaniel require bi-weekly outpatient visits as part of his treatment, he also needed a stem cell transplant. Luckily his oldest brother, Jose Angel, was a match, but he also required preoperative visits and now post-op visits to ensure he is healing properly.

A Needed Solution

Esther has also sought support from the National Children’s Cancer Society and the Pinky Swear Foundation, and received funds from a GoFundMe one of their relatives created. While this monetary support provided a little bit of relief, they still have medical bills, plus the ever-rising expenses related to their bi-weekly travel to Nathaniel’s treatments.

So Esther’s Market Center leadership encouraged her to apply for a KW Cares Grant.

How You Help through KW Cares

KW Cares helped cover travel, food, and medical expenses for the Ortega family during Nathaniel’s treatment.

Your gifts to KW Cares help families like the Ortega’s during life-altering circumstances. Please donate today!