From Patient to Graduate: Teen Visits Loyola Physician After Beating the Odds

For the family of 19-year-old Jorge Tapia, watching him walk across the stage at his high school graduation was a moment they once feared might never come. Diagnosed with kidney failure before his first birthday, Jorge’s life has been a series of medical battles and miraculous recoveries. 

Over the years, Tapia has endured two kidney transplants, a bout of optic neuritis that left him temporarily blind, a central nervous system infection that caused temporary paralysis from the waist down, brain biopsies, plasmapheresis, acute disseminated encephalitis, and a seizure disorder. He needed to learn how to walk and speak again, but Tapia stayed positive throughout the difficult journey. 

“His path wasn’t easy, but he never gave up," said Tapia's mother, Angelica. "We always encouraged him to do whatever he wanted in life. I'm so thankful to his team of doctors for not only caring for him but truly listening to him and believing in him."

After receiving his cap and gown, Tapia returned to Loyola Medicine to visit his doctor, Gregory Ozark, MD, and take a photo together. "Dr. Ozark and so many doctors, nurses and staff members have been such a big part of Jorge's life. It felt right to include him in this milestone," Angelica shared.

Dr. Ozark, one of many doctors who have cared for Jorge since birth, was deeply moved. "Jorge has been my patient, and a patient of so many at Loyola, for his entire life,” said Dr. Ozark. “I am so happy for him and immeasurably humbled that he wanted to share this milestone with us. He has touched the lives of countless doctors, nurses and colleagues here at Loyola and seeing him graduate is truly inspiring."

On Friday, May 16, Tapia graduated from high school. He plans to attend trade school to continue his education and build a future that once seemed uncertain – but now is full of promise.