Home Blog Champion Stories 2021 Ambassador Feature: Jonathan Ortiz Sr. 2021 Ambassador Feature: Jonathan Ortiz Sr. July 21, 2021 • By Fight CRC Champion Stories Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Twitter Copy this URL Share via Email The year 2020 will be memorable for all of us, but at Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), we had the pleasure of welcoming a new class of Fight CRC Ambassadors. Despite all of the difficulties of 2020, especially with Stay-at-Home orders and social distancing, our Ambassadors found creative and interesting ways to get their messages into the world and to share their mission, which also is our mission: We FIGHT to cure CRC and serve as relentless champions of hope for all affected by this disease through informed patient support, impactful policy change, and breakthrough research endeavors. We are thankful to our Ambassadors as they finish out their introductory Ambassador year! Jonathan Ortiz hails from Jacksonville, Florida. Fight CRC had some questions for him about his experience as Fight CRC Ambassador: Q: What is your connection to colorectal cancer? A: I am a caregiver. Q: What does being a Fight CRC Ambassador mean to you? A: Being a Fight CRC Ambassador means continuing my wife's journey to make sure no other family has to lose another loved one to colon cancer again. Q: What compelled you to apply to be a Fight CRC Ambassador? A: My wife fought not just for herself, but for others, and I want to as well. Q: What have you learned during your introductory Ambassador year? A: I learned about the power of togetherness and how united we can make lasting change. Q: This year, our Ambassador stories reached millions! From being featured in Fight CRC communications, Times Square, and local media, your face has been everywhere. What was the most exciting part for you? A: The feature on Times Square was mind-blowing. Colon cancer awareness on such a big stage! Q: What's your FAVORITE thing about being an Ambassador? A: I feel like I'm making my wife proud. Q: Have you noticed growth within yourself over the past year? A: Yes. I've gained the ability to be open about my journey in a way that helps others. Q: What motivates you to advocate for the CRC community? A: My wife, my friends, family, and those I have met and will meet motivate me to advocate for the CRC community. Q: Do you feel your efforts are impactful? A: Yes, when I see the amount of people who have come to me and told they got a colonoscopy because of hearing my story, it makes me very happy. Q: What advice do you have for those who recently have been diagnosed or who have loved ones who recently have been diagnosed? A: There is so much information and there are so many resources that greatly help you. Don't fight alone. Q: How will you continue your efforts beyond the close of your introductory Ambassador year? A: I plan on hosting awareness and fundraising events in the near future, as my city is opening up more and more post-COVID. Fight CRC is grateful for the support of Jonathan and the 2020-2021 Fight CRC Ambassadors as they continue to serve as relentless champions of hope! meet more ambassadors share your story read champion stories