If there’s one thing that can be said for San Marcans, it’s that we do what we can to take care of our own. And tomorrow there is an opportunity for residents to help local artist Robin Orta and his family.
Orta’s art has graced the walls of galleries, restaurants and cafes throughout San Marcos. He was recently diagnosed with cancer, and he and his family are dealing with medical expenses as he prepares for more treatments.
“This all started the day before Mother’s Day,” Orta said. “I walked face first into the corner of some sheet metal. Thinking I broke my hose, I took myself to the doctor. After ruling out sinus infection and a broken nose, I was sent to the ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor. From there, we discovered a mass blocking my nostril. This mass turned out to be a malignant tumor called adenocarcinoma.
“My accident woke me up to the mass which was already there,” he said. “So in a strange way, my clumsiness saved me.”
Orta said he is not in the usual risk group for this type of cancer; he does not smoke and is not elderly.
So far, he has undergone one surgery to have the mass removed and after a series of medical scans is in the process of preparing for a second surgery to remove the regrowing tumor and prepare for radiation and chemotherapy. Orta said the regrowth is hampering his ability to breathe out of his left nostril.
“I am staying strong,” he added.
Orta’s wife Christina is a longtime barista at Wake the Dead. The coffee shop’s owner, Julie Balkman, has put together a fundraiser to help the Ortas with insurance deductibles, medical expenses and life expenses. The benefit will include a raffle, an art silent auction, food plates, keg beer, a photo booth and other activities. O’Malarkey, Andy Donegan, Cody Meacham, Carlos (of the band Youngsville), Frozen Orange, Typical Girls, The Infinites and Stoop Queens will provide live music from 4 p.m. to close.
“Julie Balkman is a monstrous force of good in this community,” Robin Orta said. “My family loves her so much for this. This is not the first time she has rallied for someone in need.”
Christina Orta also praised Balkman for helping them out.
“She has left me speechless,” Christina Orta said. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Julie has always been there for me and many others. She constantly gives back to this entire community. She freely donates to so many organizations and has held benefits for other employees and it just takes my breath away how this community of people in San Marcos are so helpful and caring.
“All my coworkers have all come to my side and lifted my spirits so much,” she continued. “Without this outpouring of love and support this fight would be overwhelming. We feel so much love and support from this community it is allowing us to focus on being positive. It makes us feel secure that we can overcome this difficult time. I find it difficult to feel down with so many wonderful people holding me up.”
Another member of the Wake the Dead family, Melanie Elliott, set up an online donation page for the Ortas.
