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Elliott Ortega plays at the hospital in Kansas City.

4-year-old to undergo bone marrow transplant
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: October 01, 2015

A 4-year-old Valley Center boy is in Kansas City with his family this week preparing for a bone marrow transplant.

Elliott Ortega, who was diagnosed with leukemia in July, will undergo 10 days of intensive chemotherapy before the Oct. 16 transplant, his mother, Jessica Ortega, told The News.

The Valley Center community has rallied in support of the family with various fundraisers to help offset travel and medical expenses for the Ortegas.

A garage sale fundraiser will be held Oct. 3 at the Valley Center United Methodist Church with proceeds going to the family.

Jessica Ortega said the experience with her son has been "life-changing," and the family is grateful for the community's support.

"It is absolutely amazing and very comforting," she said.

Elliott is no stranger to hospitals.

When he was 1 ½ years old, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. He underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and then had a liver transplant in 2013.

Jessica Ortega said the leukemia was caused by the chemotherapy.

Elliott, who was a student at the Methodist Church's preschool last year, has been unable to attend school or play soccer this fall.

Jessica Ortega said Elliott was taken to Kansas City for a biopsy last week because doctors feared his body was rejecting the liver.

"Thank God, everything is normal," Jessica said.

The family was in Kansas City for a host of tests before the bone marrow transplant.

The Ortegas will have to be in Kansas City for at least two months after the operation.

"It's been life-changing since day one," Jessica said.

Find updates on Elliott's journey on Facebook at "Elliott updates."





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