S01E21 - From Personal Tragedy to Advocacy: Building Sebastian Strong with Oscar Ortiz

How do you take a personal tragedy and turn it into a movement that supports families and accelerates pediatric cancer research?

In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Oscar Ortiz, co-founder of Sebastian Strong, to explore his journey from the devastating loss of his son to creating a nonprofit that fills critical gaps in childhood cancer care. Oscar shares the inspiration behind the foundation, the development of the innovative Navigator program, and the lessons learned from running a nonprofit with a mission-driven, business-minded approach.

Oscar dives deep into how Sebastian Strong focuses on:

Accelerating pediatric cancer research

Providing comprehensive resources for families

Raising awareness of the critical gaps in treatment

Building sustainable, mission-driven nonprofit operations

Throughout the conversation, Oscar emphasizes the moral imperative of prioritizing children’s health over profit, the importance of authentic messaging, and the power of community support to create meaningful change.

In this episode, we cover:

The personal journey that led to founding Sebastian Strong

Gaps in pediatric cancer treatment and research funding

The moral obligation of healthcare systems for children

Lessons in building a nonprofit that functions like a business

How the Navigator program helps families navigate complex care

Strategies for raising awareness and increasing support

The importance of authentic, heartfelt communication

Practical ways listeners can get involved and make an impact

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in childhood cancer advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and making a real difference in the lives of families affected by pediatric cancer. Oscar’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of loss, purpose and action can create lasting change.

👉 Learn more about Oscar Ortiz and Sebastian Strong:
  / oscarportiz  

https://sebastianstrong.org/