According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers 20 years old and under make up around 8.5% of the total number of drivers in all fatal crashes and 12.6% of drivers overall in crashes. Unfortunately, Summer Lopez is among these statistics.

Summer Lopez is an ambitious and determined soul who graduated high school at sixteen and was in the middle of completing her second year of college to join the Air Force to fulfill her dream of studying medicine. Her vibrant energy and determination shined through to all as she was on a fast track to success.

“Summer was impressive,” her mother, Liz Lopez, said. “She knew exactly what she wanted, and she would go to any length to get it; she has that kind of determination. By the end of her sixteen’s, her goals were pure success, having all her dots connecting to make it in life. She had a road map, and she was following every curve to get to the destination,” Lopez continued.

Summer’s dreams were cut short on her way home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on New Year’s Day in 2016, when she was involved in a life-threatening car crash after unbuckling her seatbelt to reach for her phone. She had hopes and dreams for the future ahead of her. In the blink of an eye, the crash shattered her life, leaving her permanently disabled with severe brain damage.

Summer’s mother, Liz Lopez, recalls hearing the news of Summer’s accident as heartbreaking. What should have been a night of celebration turned into devastation. Jan 1st, 2016, would mark the beginning of a long and painful journey neither Summer nor her family could have predicted.

“An unknown number called me, and I picked it up, and they asked, ‘Who am I speaking to? And I said, ‘Who do you want to speak to? I wanted to speak to Summer Marquez’s mother, and I just burst into tears and started throwing up. I knew if she couldn’t call me, she couldn’t speak because I knew my daughter would call me,” Lopez exclaimed.

Lopez rushed to the hospital and found the impact of the crash left Summer almost unrecognizable, her skull fractured, her body heavily bruised, and unimaginable scars on her mind. Summer remained in and out of the ICU in a coma for almost three months. Her mother, Liz Lopez, never left her side. That day a new person was born, and although there was lots of pain, there was still hope.

“We all lost Summer that day. For me, what I say is that the 18-year-old Summer died; she completely died, and a special needs baby was born. Yet, she was still filled with hope, full of uncertainty, and something wonderful. She takes every day as a miracle, and she’s happy every day,” Lopez proclaimed.

While Summer’s condition remained fragile, Lopez found herself struggling. She could either let the tragedy define their lives, or she could take charge of the narrative. Liz chose to keep fighting. Although Summer would never be the same as before, her life did not end there, and she continued to fight with her still ambitious spirit.

Before the accident, Summer had shared with her mom she wanted to become a runner. Determined to find purpose in tragedy, Lopez began competing and running in marathons, but not alone. Although Summer is unable to physically run, Liz pushes her in her adaptive wheelchair alongside her. She is the spirit that drives Liz every step of the way. Lopez runs not only for her daughter’s recovery but also for a bigger mission of spreading awareness about safe driving and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in sports.

“What can I say…she freaking loves it! Since we started doing races, her progress has been impressive because she is included! She is more present, aware, determined, and happier. It has been a significant change in her life; being a part of this community [sports] has opened her world to ‘possibilities,’” Lopez said.

The story does not end with Summer and Liz. After seeing his mother and sister striving and devoting time to their mission, Four Corners senior Godric Rivera stepped in as their cameraman. He captured their first-ever half-distance triathlon consisting of 56 miles biking and 13.1 miles running, which they ran this past December, and the two placed first in Summer’s category.

“Being able to record the biggest race for my mom and Summer was extremely gratifying because I got to experience and be a part of what my mom trained so long and hard for. Watching my mom pass the finish line with Summer pumping her fist in the air felt like a goal being accomplished for all our family,” Rivera said.

Along with the support from family members, Lopez had even further support from MetropistasPR, a highway administration company that partnered with them in 2021. The company brought Marquez, Lopez, and their team along with Rivera to the annual 10K race at the Teodoro Moscoso Bridge in Puerto Rico back in 2022. The event serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of safer roads.

Through Summer’s accident, Liz found a purpose to help others and become an advocate for safe driving and a fierce champion for those with disabilities. As Liz crosses each marathon finish line, she doesn’t just celebrate her victory; she celebrates Summer’s strength, the strength of every individual with a disability, and the power of a mother’s unwavering love.

“Our way of creating awareness is through sports. Including Summer in sports has made a huge impact on her progress; now we want to include more individuals with disabilities who cannot propel themselves like Summer in sports to have and experience the benefits of being athletes and belonging to the sports community. These individuals deserve not just to be alive but to live!” Lopez said.