Jacksonville, FL. — A Jacksonville family is working to change health care policies, after losing their loved one to colon cancer at a young age.
Tiffany Ortiz was a mother of three and a former nurse.
She passed away at just 34-years-old from stage four colon cancer.
Action News Jax reporter, Meghan Moriarty, first spoke with Ortiz in-person during a fundraising event later reconnected with her family after her passing to discuss the difficulties of having a funeral--or lack of-- during a pandemic.
“She left a legacy for us to continue on,” Gwendolyn Bryan, Tiffany’s mother, said.
“Right now, they’re saying that the age to get a colonoscopy should start at 45. We see what happened with our daughter Tiffany.”
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women, according to the American Cancer Society.
The biggest reason why: it goes undetected.
“Colonoscopy has been one of the only diagnostic cancer modalities that has actually wound up saving lives,” Dr. Ron Landmann said.
Dr. Landmann is a colon and rectal oncologist with Baptist Health.
He weighed in on the screening age.
“Most insurance companies are starting to approve the earlier screening.” Dr. Landmann said.
However, not all of them do.
But, if you have a family history of colon cancer or you’re high risk, your insurance company should cover some of the cost.
Tiffany’s husband, Jon, said despite his kids being young, he’s already thinking of their future.
“You think at 16, it’s your biggest focus for your children getting them a car, and getting prepared for college,” Jon Ortiz said. “Graduating high school, college, first jobs and around 16 my focus is going to be 'guys time for you guys to get colonoscopies.” Ortiz’s family says they’re going to continue to spread awareness.
“I’m doing this for you Tiff,” Tamara Bryant, Tiffany’s sister, said. “I’m doing this for my family, doing it for myself.”
Cox Media Group
