Theresa Lozada met the love of her life at her uncle’s wedding before both were ten years old. On February 22, 2008, Senior Corporal Victor Lozada, 49, died from a motorcycle accident while on duty in the motorcade protecting Hillary Clinton in Dallas. Theresa and their children discussed donation. "We saw it as a way for him to live on, and we wanted to give someone else a second chance. It hurts that he went to heaven, but it feels good to know that he can help more than 50 people through his gift."

Theresa's Story

In 1968, Theresa Lozada met the love of her life at her uncle’s wedding. He was funny and smart, kind and generous…and nine years old. During the next 40 years they were practically inseparable.

“I knew Victor for most of my life. We were good friends while growing up in Texas, and then we started going steady in high school,” Theresa, 47, remembered. “We went everywhere together, with our families and siblings as chaperones, and then when I was 20 years old, he asked me to marry him.”

Victor Lozada attended the University of Houston and joined the National Guard, but he dreamed of having a career in law enforcement. Their family grew, first with the birth of their son, Victor Jr., and then with their daughter, Lisa. Soon after, Victor attended the police academy and entered the ranks of the police department in 1988.

“Over the years, Victor was involved in countless community service projects and did wonderful things for others,” Theresa said. “He used to dress up as Santa and I would be his elf, and we gave out toys together.”

The Lozadas had two more children – Stephanie and David – and created several family traditions, including celebrating each child’s birthday at 5:00am before their dad left to start his shift. “He was always close to the children, and they loved their father very much,” Theresa said.

On February 22, 2008, Senior Corporal Victor Lozado died from a motorcycle accident while on duty in the motorcade protecting Hillary Clinton in Dallas, Texas. He was 49 years old. Theresa and their children discussed donation and decided that it was the right thing to do. “We saw it as a way for him to live on, and we wanted to give someone else a second chance,” she said. “It hurts that he went to heaven, but it feels good to know that he can help more than 50 people through his gift.

“The children and I feel it is an honor for me to be on the Donate Life float in the Rose Parade and be their dad’s voice. We want to tell others that it’s okay to donate – that there are so many ways you can help at the end of your life.”