A Year-End Review: Tying Up Some of the Loose Ends From ’84 : Celebrating a Miracle

Mexican truck driver Danny Lopez called 1984 “the miracle of my life,” and went home to his village in Mexico to celebrate Christmas with his family, whom he had not seen since he was brought to California in February.

Lopez, who was the subject of an April story, underwent several surgeries in Los Angeles and Palo Alto during the year after nearly succumbing to burns over 85% of his body during an explosion of his gasoline truck in Mexico.

Through an American missionary in Mexico, Drs. Amado Mandani and Jose Viloria of Covina Valley Community Hospital in West Covina heard of Lopez’ plight and brought him to their hospital for treatment. The two physicians donated their time and services to Lopez and created a special burn room for his treatment at the West Covina hospital. Contributions from the public helped to defray some of the costs.

Then in September, doctors from Interplast, a group of surgeons based at Stanford University who volunteer their services to patients unable to pay for needed operations, took Lopez’ case and performed another surgery to release the tendons under his arms.

Lopez’ progress, according to Mandani, has been remarkable. Previously immobile, Lopez is now able to move his arms, and even can button and unbutton his shirt.

Lopez still has far to go, though, and will return to the United States in March or April for additional surgeries by Interplast doctors.

Amado Mandani and his wife, Eva, recently drove Lopez home to his mountain village of La Rumorosa, about 60 miles east of Tijuana, and said the whole town turned out to celebrate his return.

“Money cannot replace the happiness and hope this has brought to all of us,” said Eva Mandani upon her return to West Covina. “And not only to Daniel, but also to his whole village.”