“After Hours” is a feature section in the HSC News that spotlights Health Science Center employees and the particularly unique things they do when the workday ends…

Mariana battles the end of the 2006 Austin Freescale Half Marathon. The freezing rain didn’t stop her or Rodrigo from completing the half marathon – Rodrigo holds Mariana’s hand.
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After hours, you can probably find Mariana Lozano and her husband, Rodrigo, at the Health Science Center’s track training for marathons that help raise funds to help increase stroke awareness.

When Rodrigo, a former Health Science Center employee, suffered his first stroke in 1999, Mariana, an administrative assistant in restorative dentistry, began to realize the impact a stroke can have not only on the victim, but on family and friends as well.

While on the road to recovery, Rodrigo and Mariana together got involved in the American Stroke Association (ASA), a division of the American Heart Association, and in serving others who suffered from the devastating effects of a stroke.

“Rodrigo needed something to occupy his time, so when the ASA asked him to represent it as a stroke survivor, he was honored,” Mariana said. “We both have had a chance to become thoroughly involved. We’ve met countless individuals, shared our story with thousands and have even become involved in marathons and fundraising for the ASA.”

Rodrigo, although still not fully recovered, made headlines when he began participating in half marathons shortly after he suffered his second stroke.

“He wanted to do it,” Mariana said. “So I was the fundraiser for him, having raffles and barbecues. All proceeds went to the ASA. It made us feel good to contribute to this organization that works so hard to raise stroke awareness. Since 2003, Rodrigo has done 12 half marathons and he completed his first full marathon this year.”

Recently, Mariana began participating in half marathons as well, in support of her husband.

“I do it for him, with him and in honor of him,” Mariana said. “Seeing him do all of this is amazing.”

Mariana has learned a lot about stroke patients and their families through her involvement in the ASA. While her husband is a stroke survivor and shares his stories with other patients, Mariana uses him as an example when she serves as a spokesperson for the ASA.

“When someone close to you suffers a stroke, it really changes your life,” she said. “He has always been a patient and loving man. But, I’ve had to learn to understand that our conversations may not always be as I expect. I share his story with others to let them know that there are programs and therapies that can really help stroke victims and their families. I want people to understand that stroke patients aren’t abnormal – they’re just trying to live their lives.”

In 2005, Mariana received the American Stroke Association Advocacy Volunteer Award. She said some of her and Rodrigo’s most recent achievements include lobbying and testifying in front of state legislators for the "Stroke Act." They did this in both February and April of 2005.

“That was a very important accomplishment for Rodrigo, other stroke survivors and the ASA,” Mariana said. “It is important because it requires that medical personnel learn how to correctly handle stroke patients and that hospitals are equipped to handle stroke patients.”

Mariana and Rodrigo were married a few months after he suffered his first stroke. She has been a strong supporter of him in every way.

“We’ve now been married for seven years – seven glorious years,” she said.

For more information about stroke, visit the ASA www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200037.

Mariana can provide more information about becoming involved in raising stroke awareness: lozanomg@uthscsa.edu.

The Health Science Center is doing its part to prevent strokes. Learn more here: www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat.asp?newID=2036