Adrian Lozano
It was May 31st, 1999 when Adrian attended a San Antonio Spurs basketball game with his mom in celebration of his 25th birthday. Little did he know, he was about to witness history unfold before his eyes. Sean Elliott, a transplant recipient himself and former basketball small forward, made the game-winning basket in Game 2 of the 1999 Western Conference Finals.
Fast forward, Adrian Lozano, 50, married his beautiful wife, Brek, in October of 2010 and together had 4 children. Adrian balanced a great career with State Farm, his close-knit family, his passions for sports like squash, basketball, and weightlifting, and outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and floating the river.
Unfortunately, in February of 2023, Adrian’s life took a drastic turn. Initially feeling unwell, he brushed it off until his symptoms escalated; symptoms included exhaustion, deteriorating muscles, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and a yellowing complexion. “He was not himself. I saw his personality changing,” shared Brek. Through all of this, Adrian continued working. Multiple visits to the Methodist ER revealed the cause: acute alcohol hepatitis, a diagnosis that stunned Adrian, who had never faced health issues before. “I was in denial,” said Adrian.
As his condition worsened, Adrian faced the grim reality of needing a liver transplant. “My perception of someone needing a transplant is that someone is very sick and I didn’t see myself like that,” shared Adrian. The news hit hard, leaving him scared and grappling with the uncertainty of his future.
Adrian had no actual recollection of the transplant surgery. He suffered a fall that caused memory loss, which ultimately sped up the transplant process. Adrian’s liver transplant occurred on August 4, 2023.
The experience in the hospital was transformative for Adrian. He found solace in the care of the nursing staff and physicians, especially Dr. Thalji and Dr. Junadi, who guided him through the process with transparency and reassurance. Their dedication, along with Adrian’s determination, led to a successful recovery. “I had goals. I wanted to get back to working out,” said Adrian.
Now, with a new liver, Adrian approaches life with renewed vigor and appreciation. “I don’t waste any days. I wake up at 4 AM, have a cup of coffee, head to the gym, and just appreciate life,” expressed Adrian.
As Adrian's 50th birthday approaches on May 31st, memories of the significant event from exactly 25 years ago come flooding back. His birthday took on a whole new level of significance as he received an unforgettable birthday gift: a meet and greet with Sean Elliott and a signed basketball.
Reflecting on his journey, Adrian is an advocate for organ donation, urging others to consider the impact of their generosity. His life serves as a testament to the power of transplantation, reminding us all of the gift of life and the importance of giving back.
As he looks towards the future, Adrian is filled with gratitude for the support of his loved ones and the opportunity to live life to the fullest.