Chapman rallies behind child in need

For General Manager Gary Brewer and his sales team at Chapman Chrysler Jeep, helping others is second nature. That's why they're rallying behind 21-month-old Elliot Ortega and his family to raise money in their extreme time of need this holiday season.

In September, Elliot was taken to the doctor for a routine checkup before he, along with his mother and sister, were to move across the nation to Kansas to join his father, who had been working there since July. That's when the life-changing diagnosis came for Elliot - stage 4 hepatoblastoma - a rare form of liver cancer found in newborn to 2-year-old children.

Because of the tumor's size and because 90 percent of his liver was involved, the only way to remove the cancer was with a liver transplant. After 12 weeks of chemotherapy to reduce the tumor's size so doctors could operate, Elliot received his transplant in November. However, he's needs at least six more weeks of chemotherapy treatments.

The estimated cost of medication for Elliot is $2,000 per month. The Ortegas also must meet an annual $8,000 deductible before they are fully covered, meaning they are responsible for 20 percent of the medical bills up to that point.

Elliot's parents, Ray and Jessica Ortega, are longtime Boulder City residents. Ray Ortega worked for the Carpenters Union until he was laid off more than two years ago. Jessica Ortega has worked at the Southern Nevada Veterans Home in Boulder City for eight years.

Chapman Chrysler Jeep is working to raise money to help ease the family's financial burden. For every car sold Saturday, $50 will be donated to help Elliot's fight .

Also, $1 per "like" on the Chapman Chrysler Jeep Facebook page, up to $1,000, will be donated to the Ortega family.

"Selling cars is what we're good at and if we can help a child and family in need by donating a portion of our sales, then that's what we're going to do," Brewer said.

Chapman Chrysler Jeep is at the Valley Automall in Henderson. It can be reached at 888-207-1687 or online at www.chapmanchryslerjeep.com.

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is at 3175 E. Sahara Ave. at Mojave Road. The dealership can be reached at 702-457-1061 or by visiting www.vegasdcj.com.

Chapman Value Center is on Boulder Highway just south of Sahara Avenue. The dealership can be reached at 888-299-0170 and www.chapman valuecenter.com.

All dealerships are open for sales from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Parts and service are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.