Pursue Your Strength: Jessica Ortiz

Jessica Ortiz’s strength journey began long before she ever picked up a barbell. Born premature and deemed “failure to thrive,” she was diagnosed as a baby with cystic fibrosis, a fatal lung disease.  

Over the years, Jessica has endured countless surgeries, including one that nearly resulted in the removal of her intestines, as well as regular hospital stays, persistent lung infections, and severe complications that threatened her life.  

Despite these challenges, Jessica’s story is one of relentless resilience and an unyielding pursuit of a life filled with strength and purpose. 

As a child, Jessica fought to lead an active life, participating in karate and gymnastics while trying to manage her disease. But as her health declined, so did her ability to stay active.  

Depression and the side effects of medications led to weight gain and left her struggling both physically and emotionally. She dropped out of gymnastics, then karate, and eventually fell behind in school, needing to make up two years to graduate on time. 

At 22, Jessica’s health took its most serious turn yet. After the birth of her daughter, she suffered multiple postpartum hemorrhages, daily lung bleeding, and plummeted to just 60% lung function. She developed reactive hypoglycemia, which caused dangerous blood sugar crashes, and liver disease that placed her at risk for needing a transplant.  

These issues, combined with her struggles to breathe during any physical activity, made exercise feel impossible and left her feeling defeated. 

A Breakthrough 

But Jessica found hope in unexpected places.  

Eventually, a newfound faith restored her spirit. A new relationship rekindled her heart, and she got married. And a breakthrough medication began to transform her health.  

Her husband, a bodybuilder who learned to manage his own struggles with depression and anxiety through fitness, encouraged her to try the gym again. His passion for strength-training and dedication to overcoming obstacles renewed Jessica’s determination.  

With his support, Jessica began lifting weights. It was empowering, and it felt manageable with her condition.  

However, commercial gyms posed a significant risk: Even a common cold could land her in the hospital.  

To protect her health, the couple created a modest home gym with equipment from REP Fitness, providing a safe space for Jessica to train and rebuild her body -- and mind. 

An Unexpected Challenge Turns Triumph 

In late 2022, Jessica faced another unexpected challenge — and triumph — when she became pregnant again, despite doctors warning she could never conceive again after her first child. Though the pregnancy was difficult, her son was born premature but healthy.  

Today, at 37, Jessica celebrates milestones she once thought impossible: a loving marriage, two children, and restored health. Thanks to her breakthrough medication and dedication to fitness, her lung function has climbed to an extraordinary 95%. 

For Jessica, pursuing strength means more than improving her physical fitness. It’s about reclaiming control over her life and intentionally shaping her future, despite all odds.   

From her premature birth to her battles with depression, life-threatening complications, and the daily struggles of living with cystic fibrosis, Jessica’s resilience shines through. She credits her husband’s encouragement and her own perseverance for showing her that even in the face of immense challenges, she can rewrite her narrative.



“The past will not define my limitations. Life is not fair, and it never will be, but we still have the opportunity to get what we want out of it by doing the hard work — in the mind, in the heart, and in the body,” she says. "That’s what I want to pass on to my children: the belief that strength is built through persistence and courage.” 

Jessica’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and an unwavering pursuit of strength. From “failure to thrive” to thriving on her terms, she proves that no matter the odds, it’s possible to overcome, grow, and inspire others to do the same.