Music Helps in the Healing Process for Liver Transplant Patient
Angel Lopez had a lot of time to contemplate his condition as he waited for a liver transplant at Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He spent his time finding peace and healing through his love for music. Angel, now 20 years old, passed time by learning to play the ukulele and writing rap songs.
“Music has helped me express the feelings that I couldn’t say to anyone,” said Angel. “It has been an outlet for me.”
Angel was just 10 years old when a biopsy detected that he had high liver enzymes. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver – a complication which involves loss of liver cells and irreversible scarring. At that point, doctors told his family that he would eventually need a liver transplant.
Angel was living in Avon Park, Florida, when his health began to decline in November 2014. He was tired, weak and retaining fluids. At that point, Angel was referred to Holtz Children’s – more than 180 miles away from home – to see a gastrointestinal specialist.
The doctor determined Angel needed a liver transplant and placed him on the waiting list. In June 2015, Angel took a turn for the worse, and he had to be admitted to Holtz Children’s Hospital as he awaited the transplant.
“As I waited for a donor, I was feeling very discouraged,” recalls Angel. “I’ve always been the type to tough it out, so I began expressing my feelings through music.”
On July 18, his mother received the call she’d been waiting for – a donor had been found. The very next day, Angel successfully underwent a liver transplant at Holtz Children’s. Doctors say his body is reacting well to the new organ.
“I’m so grateful to my donor and for this great gift of life,” said Angel. “I thank God every day for another chance at life.”
During his stay at Holtz Children’s Hospital, Michael worked with music therapist, Stephanie Epstein.
On a recent morning in Alamo Park at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Angel and Stephanie played the ukulele, and he performed three of the rap songs that he wrote in front of a crowd including family, doctors, nurses, therapists, and other supporters. It was truly a dream come true.
Angel says he is beginning to enjoy life again. He plans to visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Redwood Forest in California, and just about anywhere that he can take in beautiful outdoor scenery. Also on his list of things to do: continue playing the ukulele and composing his own music.