I don’t know where to begin, but I will do my best. I prayed on this, and I feel compelled to share. I believe God wants all His children to help and be there for each other. So let me begin. I’m Christopher Ortiz. I am Porfirio “Peter” Ocasio III’s brother.
On Monday, Peter suffered a catastrophic incident. He was picking up a U-Haul truck in Orange City, FL. He was to move out of his old residence of 6 years to his new residence. As he and an employee were walking to retrieve his rental truck, another renter was picking up a rental van. That customer was having difficulty operating the van to put it into gear. Upon doing so, he abruptly and quickly drove into my brother and the employee.
Peter was thrown several feet, hitting a stationary object. The van crashed into the U-Haul building. Emergency services responded to the scene and transported Peter as a Trauma 1 Alert patient.
Peter suffered severe and permanent injuries. Although I do have photos of his current condition, I don’t believe this is a platform to share them.
Peter suffered a fractured right forearm, fractured left eye socket, collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and he is covered in road rash.
As I walked into his hospital room, I saw a pale, lifeless figure connected to hoses and wires. Unable to breathe without pain. Speak without pain. Open his eyes without pain. What should have been tears was instead a stream of blood from his left eye.
His arm was in a cast. Naked under a hospital blanket. He tried to speak, but I did all I could to keep him calm and quiet. I know I’m going to fall apart and cry soon, but for now, I don’t have time for that.
Tuesday 6/17/2025, Morning: I have to pick up a rental truck and move his belongings for him. I physically can’t do it because of my own health issues post-COVID. But his neighbors promised to help. I’m not making excuses for myself. I will get it done. Whatever it takes. But with my Type 2 Diabetes, heart condition, blood disorder, polymyalgia, and paresthesia, all I can do is manage, supervise, and drive.
But what I’m asking is for prayers and support. I need my God-fearing and faithful community to share my compassion and help Peter. It will be months before he is able to return to work.
My brother is laying in a hospital bed. He can’t cry, can barely speak, and breathe. He yells in agony and pain. It hurts so much to see him like this, but I’m remaining strong and steadfast.
But I need, he needs your support. We have to find a way to cover his rental expenses until he can return to work. Listening to him briefly cry out how scared he is of losing his job and apartment. It’s heartbreaking.
Please say a prayer for Pete, and if God speaks through you to share monetary support toward Peter’s home and rent, please do so. God does not give us a limit to caring and giving. Praying for him says a lot. Thinking of him says a lot. Donations towards his housing expenses is a faithful gesture. He needs that faithful gesture. I am available for calls or questions, so reach out to me if you wish. I pray that God watches over my brother, protects him, and heals him. I pray this painful journey of his does not need to be traveled alone. Thank you for your love and support.
Chris
