A Dual Battle of Motherhood and Survival
For most expecting mothers, pregnancy means preparing for new life. But for one South Florida doctor, it also meant fighting for her own. In 2019, Dr. Christina Ortega, a neuropsychologist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, found herself on the other side of the patient experience when she was diagnosed with breast cancer midway through her pregnancy. Ortega, who regularly works with young cancer patients and their families, suddenly faced the same fears she had helped others navigate. “It was surreal,” she told NBC Miami. “I went from counseling parents through their child’s illness to becoming a patient myself.” Her diagnosis came as a shock. What began as a routine self-exam led to a mammogram, biopsy, and then the devastating confirmation of stage 2 breast cancer. The news arrived when she was five months pregnant, forcing her to make decisions no expecting mother ever wants to face.
Choosing to Fight Through Treatment
Many women in her situation might have waited until after giving birth to begin treatment, but Ortega decided to fight the disease immediately. After consulting with her medical team, she chose to begin chemotherapy while still pregnant — a decision that carried significant emotional and physical risks. “My husband and I made the decision together,” she said. “It wasn’t just about me — it was about being here for our baby long term.” Her doctors at Memorial Healthcare System created a treatment plan designed to protect her unborn baby while giving Ortega the best chance to recover. Despite the fatigue and side effects, she continued working throughout much of her pregnancy, supporting pediatric cancer patients even while enduring her own treatments.
A Symbol of Strength for Patients and Colleagues
When Ortega gave birth to a healthy baby boy, she described the moment as “proof that hope and medicine can coexist.” Her recovery continued after delivery, including surgery and additional therapy, but her story became a powerful symbol of strength and resilience throughout South Florida’s medical community. Colleagues at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital say Ortega’s perseverance continues to inspire patients, parents, and fellow staff. “She showed us what courage looks like — balancing motherhood, medicine, and survival,” one coworker said.
Paying It Forward
Now in remission, Dr. Ortega has returned to her work with a renewed sense of purpose. She continues to help children and families navigate life after a cancer diagnosis and uses her own experience to offer reassurance and hope. “Having gone through it myself, I can look families in the eye and tell them, you can do this,” she said. “Because I did.” Dr. Ortega’s journey stands as a testament to strength, medical progress, and the resilience of the human spirit — proving that even in moments of fear, hope can prevail.
