DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Inspired by Their Extraordinary New Teammate
9/30/2016 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO-It wasn't long ago that 11-year-old Melinda Ortega was part of the Peterson Park gymnastics team training four to five hours a day to compete on the Junior Olympic team.
She went to school in Jefferson Park and having her daily routine was key. She is a loving, caring, outgoing, hard-working, and tough young lady who put a smile on everyone's face.
It was back in January when her toughness had to sustain her more than ever before.
Melinda pulled her abductor muscle during gymnastics and underwent physical therapy. As the physical therapist was monitoring her progress, the PT realized something was not right. She had begun to get weaker and could barely do a push-up. This was not like the strong 11-year-old gymnast everyone knew.
Melinda underwent MRI exams and muscle enzyme tests. The average count for muscle enzymes is 50, and Melinda's body had 2,000.
That is when the doctor determined Melinda had Juvenile Myositis. Commonly known as JM, Juvenile Myositis is a group of rare and life-threatening autoimmune diseases in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues.
Symptoms can include muscle weakness and pain, severe fatigue, swallowing and digestive difficulties, rashes, Calcinosis and Vasculitic ulcers and lung and heart problems.
Melinda was diagnosed with severe Juvenile Myositis and takes 15 pills a day. Every two weeks, she receives infusion treatments that last 12-15 hours. And every Friday, Melinda undergoes chemotherapy treatments.
Medications can alleviate the symptoms, but there is no known cure.
Her family was devastated when they got the news. Her parents Sharron and Martin Ortega needed something to keep Melinda's spirits up---something to keep her fighting.
That is when Melinda's child-life therapist told the Ortega family about Team IMPACT.
Team IMPACT is a national organization based out of Boston that was established in 2011 that arranges for local college athletic programs to "draft" children like Melinda and become part of the team from Draft Day until graduation.
Team IMPACT's mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. There are more than 1,000 matches with 275-plus Division I teams, and Melinda Ortega is now one of them.
On Sept. 24, Melinda officially signed her letter of intent to join the DePaul women's soccer team. Women's soccer has tried to partner with Team IMPACT in the past and never received a match.
But good things come to those who wait, and the Blue Demons couldn't have asked for a better teammate than Melinda.
"The athletic department prides itself on giving its athletes opportunities to pursue a Vincentian mission through community outreach and exposure to diverse lifestyles," said assistant coach Sarah Stanczyk. "Team IMPACT really stood out to us as a very hands-on way to do this. It's an extremely unique program for our players to develop a lifelong bond with an extraordinary kid and her family.
"I think the entire team would agree it was worth the wait because we couldn't have found a better teammate than Melinda. We're very thankful for Team IMPACT introducing us and are thrilled to have the Ortegas join the DePaul women's soccer family."
Prior to signing her letter of intent, Melinda had been paired with the Blue Demons for a few months and participated in various activities with her new team.
DePaul's Team IMPACT leaders Lucy Edwards, Sonia Johnson, Franny Cerny, Danielle Pitaro, Ana Greik, and Alexa Ben threw a surprise birthday party for Melinda last April with the whole team joining in the celebration.
"We came up with little carnival games and activities for her to enjoy," Ben said. "I think this event meant the most to us because it was unexpected and our whole team was there and contributed to making it the best birthday party.
"I think birthdays are so exciting and especially when you are that young, you look forward to enjoying it with people who are close to you. We wanted to show her how much she means to us."
The team has gone to see the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2," gotten ice cream and cupcakes, and visits Melinda in the hospital during treatments.
"The girls will come to the hospital and watch movies with Melinda or paint her nails," Sharron Ortega said. "They keep her spirits up and keep her mind off of things. A team feeling is what she is used to and these girls have given her that."
Cerny takes pride in knowing that the Blue Demons provide Melinda a feeling she used to have with her gymnastics team.
"I think this program has a really positive effect on Melinda," Cerny said. "It makes her happier and gives her something to be a part of. She used to be on a gymnastics team and no longer is, so we are able to give her that team feeling again. It also gives her a big group of friends who all want to make sure she has the best time possible."
Coach Erin Chastain sat right next to Melinda last Saturday as she signed her letter of intent. Chastain told the audience that she looks for certain qualities when deciding who to bring onto her team.
"It is all about determination for me," Chastain said. "She goes through things not all children have to go through. She motivates our team, and watching her for the last eight months is incredible. Melinda is a great addition to this team."
Since she has been diagnosed, Melinda's condition has gone from severe to moderate. Although doctors say it's about two years or more until remission, the team and her family are both very optimistic.
"This program means a lot to myself and the team," Greik said. "We are inspired daily by Melinda's strength, courage and positive outlook. It takes the idea of being on a team to a whole new level.
"Our goal is to make Melinda feel a part of our team and family, something she has been missing since she was diagnosed. She's a constant reminder of how lucky we are to step out on the field every day."
Sharron Ortega is now a board member for Care JM, a group of volunteers dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for Juvenile Myositis. The first benefit walk to raise money will be held in May in Elk Grove.
The Blue Demons are honored to be such an integral part of Melinda's fight against JM. Melinda loves to watch the team practice or play games while proudly wearing her new DePaul women's soccer gear presented to her by the team.
Although there is no cure for JM as of now, Melinda is a fighter and will continue to battle with her new teammates by her side.
"It is nice to have people supporting me," Melinda said. "I just met these girls, but they are already like a family to me."
