Healing Through Tradition: Ryan’s Story of Grief, Family and Preventive Health

Grief can make us long for connection with loved ones who have passed away. Sometimes, healing begins when we find simple, meaningful ways to preserve their memory and keep their legacy close.

For Ryan Ortiz, his father’s recipes became a source of remembrance, comfort and connection after his dad’s colon cancer diagnosis and passing.

Ryan’s Recipe for Remembrance

Growing up, Ryan spent a lot of time in the kitchen with his father following his recipes. Whether they were making his dad’s famous flan or tres leches, they were certain to create delicious desserts and long-lasting memories. After his father’s battle with colon cancer, these recipes took on a whole new meaning. His story shows how family traditions can become part of the healing process, especially when food, memory and love are deeply connected.

The Shift in Ryan’s Story

“My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer when he was around 47. Growing up around that age, I remember traveling a lot. North Florida, Houston, Texas — he was going to different hospitals, different doctors. He had the battle for three years, and then he finally passed when he was 50.”

At six years old, living through this experience shifted the trajectory of Ryan’s life in more ways than one. He recalls feeling a heavy responsibility to become the man of the house, but looking back, he’d tell his younger self, “You’re going to do great — there’s a lot of life ahead.”

A New Perspective on Health

“The history with my father has really pushed me to stay on top of my health,” said Ryan. Because of the guidance he received from his AdventHealth physicians, he now understands the importance of preventive screenings. As he navigated through life after his loss, he made it a point to never miss his annual physicals, regular screenings or a simple checkup when something didn’t feel right. He thanks his AdventHealth physicians for their willingness to talk through any questions he had, especially given his family history. If you have a family history of colon cancer, learning more about digestive care and preventive screenings can help you understand when to talk with your doctor. As an AdventHealth team member, Ryan now views prioritizing his health as an opportunity to honor his father’s legacy. Staying up to date on annual physicals, screenings and routine checkups is one way Ryan carries his father’s memory forward while caring for his own whole health.

Healing Through Tradition

For Ryan, family recipes became more than just instructions for delicious food; they were tangible ways to find healing and connect with his father.

“A lot of the memories I have with my dad are based around being in the kitchen — flan specifically, and also his tres leches, those are the two things that I really love that he used to make, and I love the chance to recreate them,” said Ryan. For more prevention-focused guidance, read our blog on five ways to lower your risk of colon cancer.

Whole-Health Support at Every Age

At AdventHealth, we want to help you feel whole in body, mind and spirit. From primary care and digestive care to cancer care, our teams are here to support your health, answer your questions and help you take the next right step.

Discover more stories of people who filled their lives with more living.