Adrian Lopez's Medical Recovery

On March 10, 2017, The Lopez family received a call that their son, Adrian Lopez, had been the victim of a hit and run just south of Brawley on Hwy 86. Witnesses told family members that they saw the car run him off the road, and his truck had flipped over, partially pinning him under his truck. While at the hospital, Adrian had a tube inserted to help him breathe. He indicated that he could not feel his legs at all, and that he could only slightly move his left arm. X-rays confirmed that he had fractured the C4 vertebrae in his neck. 
 
Adrian was airlifted from Brawley to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, and has been in the intensive care unit since arriving. The doctors removed the fractured disc and replaced it with a metal one. They also detected a slight tear in his spinal column which they patched.  On Saturday the 11th, Adrian was finally able to be aware of his parents’ voices.  He could not see them, however, because of heavy swelling, but he could nod. He was breathing through the help of a machine and being fed through a tube so he couldn’t talk. Adrian’s parents were able to communicate by spelling out words one letter at a time to which Adrian would nod. Needless to say this was a very frustrating practice for both the parents and son. Adrian has some sensation his in lower body but no movement other than jerky movements of his arms. The doctors estimate that it will be from six months to a year before the full extent of his paralysis will be known.
 
Adrian Lopez worked as an automotive mechanic. With his paralysis and long-term hospitalization, he must depend on family and the community for his support. The Lopez family will continue to provide the best care for their son as possible. Currently Adrian’s mother remains by his side in San Diego while the remainder of his family remain at home two hours away to fulfill the responsibilities for work and school. The doctors say this will be a slow process and the separation from home, and family this is placing a tremendous emotional strain and financial drain on the Lopez family; a strain that will only increase once Adrian is released from intensive care and begins rehabilitation. Since the Lopez family does not have the space nor capability required for Adrian’s rehabilitation in San Diego, other arrangements will have to be made. All donations will go towards medical bills and in support of Adrian’s ongoing treatment. On behalf of his immediate and extended family, all support or assistance is greatly and sincerely appreciated.