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Mateo Garcia

Mateo Ismael Garcia, born November 15, 2027, in Puerto Rico, was the Puerto Rican American son of Luis and Marisa Garcia. He lived in Portland, Oregon, and spoke English and Spanish. Mateo had refractory epilepsy, ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, mild developmental delay, and suspected ME/CFS; he also developed depression during adolescence and used a power wheelchair in public.

Early Life and Family

Mateo spent his infancy in New York City after his parents moved there from Puerto Rico. The family relocated to Portland when he was about ten. His maternal grandmother, Ana, and paternal grandmother, Rosario, also participated in his care.

When Marisa began treatment for ovarian cancer in 2039, Mateo was nearly twelve. He temporarily stayed in Baltimore with Marisa’s best friend, Jess Ross, and Jess’s partner, Noah Donelly. Separation from Marisa caused severe fear and repeated questions about whether she would survive. Mateo returned to Portland after his parents determined that remaining near Marisa under additional health precautions was less distressing than the separation.

Marisa’s cancer later recurred after Jess and Noah’s wedding, where Marisa had served as matron of honor. Mateo’s grief, anger, anxiety, fatigue, and distress about his disabilities intensified during the recurrence.

Education and Access

Mateo attended public school in Portland. He used a power wheelchair at school and on public outings to conserve energy and support his mobility. As a fourteen-year-old freshman, he refused the accessible school bus and asked to be dropped at the main entrance instead.

His disabilities affected attendance, stamina, concentration, and participation. A seizure at school during freshman year became one of the events surrounding a broader decline in his mental health.

Health and Disabilities

Mateo’s epilepsy remained refractory despite treatment. His seizures and recovery periods contributed to fatigue and interruptions at school. He also experienced disabling fatigue and post-exertional crashes consistent with suspected ME/CFS.

Mateo had ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and mild developmental delay. By age fourteen, he was also experiencing depression, intrusive thoughts, self-loathing, and self-injurious behavior. Luis and Marisa found distressing notes on his iPad and sought psychiatric care from Dr. Torres. Mateo received therapy and took medication for ADHD and an antidepressant.

Family and Core Relationships

Luis Garcia and Marisa Garcia

Luis and Marisa coordinated Mateo’s medical care and supported him during seizures, fatigue, and psychiatric crises. Marisa’s cancer and periods of reduced availability were central sources of fear for Mateo. Luis sought additional professional help when Mateo’s depression and self-injury exceeded what the family could manage alone.

Jess Ross and Noah Donelly

Jess was Marisa’s best friend and a trusted caregiver for Mateo. Jess and Noah housed him during the 2039 Baltimore stay and helped him maintain contact with his parents. Noah remained a trusted adult in Mateo’s extended support network without replacing Luis’s role as his father.

Caleb Ross

Mateo referred to Caleb as his “big cousin.” Their friendship began through video calls, but Mateo pulled away during adolescence as he struggled with feeling caught between Caleb’s level of disability and that of his nondisabled peers.

Jonah

Main article: Mateo Garcia and Jonah

Jonah became Mateo’s friend during adolescence and offered companionship during a period of increased isolation.

Memorable Quotes

No verified exact quotation is currently available.

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