Chef Noelian Ortiz asks for prayers for sister Julissa after brain tumor complications
Noelian Ortiz said her sister underwent two surgeries in less than a month after being diagnosed with a meningioma and later developing a bacterial complication.
File photoThe short version
- Metro Puerto Rico reported that educator and Telemundo Puerto Rico's "Día a Día" talent Noelian Ortiz requested prayers on Tuesday for her sister Julissa Ortiz who was diagnosed with a meningioma
- Metro Puerto Rico reported Julissa Ortiz had emergency craniotomy surgery last month then a second procedure to remove part of her skull after a bacterial complication
- Metro Puerto Rico reported that Julissa's niece Jessica created a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to help the family
- Telemundo Puerto Rico reported the request was made on Monday and that Julissa's daughter created a GoFundMe campaign
Request for prayers and family update
Noelian Ortiz, a chef, educator and cast member of Telemundo Puerto Rico's "Día a Día," asked for prayers for the recovery of her sister Julissa Ortiz. Metro Puerto Rico reported that Julissa was diagnosed with a meningioma, a tumor originating in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, after suffering persistent headaches initially thought to be migraines.
According to Metro Puerto Rico, Julissa Ortiz underwent emergency craniotomy surgery last month, spent time in intensive care, and then required a second surgery after developing a bacterial complication that led to the removal of part of her skull. Noelian Ortiz described the past weeks as days of uncertainty, tears and worry while the family remains united and relies on their faith. Telemundo Puerto Rico reported that the request for prayers was shared on social media.
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Hoy, más que nunca, pedimos oración por mi hermana Julissa. Jamás imaginé que nuestra familia viviría una prueba tan difícil en menos de un mes.
Our translation: Today, more than ever, we ask for prayer for my sister Julissa. I never imagined that our family would live through such a difficult test in less than a month.
The source's own statement, as quoted by Metro Puerto Rico. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Fundraising campaign and public response
Metro Puerto Rico reported that Julissa Ortiz's niece Jessica created a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 for those who wish to contribute to the family's needs. Noelian Ortiz posted a message highlighting her sister's joyful personality, big heart and willingness to help others, noting that Julissa had been there for her when needed and is the godmother of her daughter.
In the message, Noelian Ortiz stated: "Hoy, más que nunca, pedimos oración por mi hermana Julissa. Jamás imaginé que nuestra familia viviría una prueba tan difícil en menos de un mes." She added that the family is holding on to faith and asked for prayers for Julissa's recovery, strength for her and wisdom for her doctors. Telemundo Puerto Rico reported that the public, friends and colleagues immediately showed support.
Where the sources differ
Both Metro Puerto Rico and Telemundo Puerto Rico reported that Noelian Ortiz asked for prayers for her sister Julissa after complications from a meningioma that required two surgeries in less than a month. Metro Puerto Rico said the request was made on Tuesday while Telemundo Puerto Rico said it was made on Monday. Metro Puerto Rico identified the niece who created the GoFundMe as Jessica and gave the $50,000 goal; Telemundo Puerto Rico referred only to Julissa's oldest daughter creating the campaign without naming her or stating the amount. Both outlets quoted similar statements from Noelian Ortiz about faith, family support and love for her sister.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state Julissa Ortiz's current medical condition or prognosis, the exact dates of her two surgeries, the name of the hospital, whether the bacterial complication has been resolved, or any details about the GoFundMe campaign beyond its creation and fundraising goal. They also do not indicate how much money had been raised so far or what specific expenses the funds would cover.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Chef Noelian Ortiz pide oraciones por su hermana tras complicaciones por tumor cerebral
- Reporting Chef Noelian pide oración por su hermana tras complicaciones por tumor cerebral
How we checked this
Metro Puerto Rico and Telemundo Puerto Rico both covered Noelian Ortiz's public request for prayers and details about her sister's health challenges from a meningioma. The $50,000 GoFundMe goal and the name Jessica appear only in the Metro Puerto Rico report while the exact day of the social media post differs between the two outlets.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.