Javier Perez, the principal of South Dade Senior High School, was at a Tamiami Park baseball field watching his son’s T‐ball game on Apr. 26 when an SUV driver lost control of the vehicle hitting Perez and two other people.
The SUV driver was arrested and charged with DUI. Perez, who was pinned under the vehicle and whose injuries were so bad that both of his legs had to be amputated, already has undergone several surgeries with still more ahead, not to mention medications, other treatments, prostethetic limbs and extensive physical therapy. Perez, his wife Maytee and their two small children are facing mounting medical bills and they need some help.
With that in mind, his friends and family have organized the first annual Javi Perez Road to Recovery 5K Run/Walk in an effort to raise much-needed funds. The event will take place on Sunday, June 5, at Amelia Earhart Park, 401 E. 65 St. in Hialeah at 8 a.m. You can register online for it through noon May 31 and late registration will be available on race day starting at 7 a.m. at the park. Event organizers are asking that runners wear a bow-tie to the event in honor of Perez, who usually wore them.
Javier Perez, known as “Javi” to many, has been giving a lot to the community and he has touched the lives of tens of thousands of students, colleagues, and athletes here. The road to recovery will be difficult for him and will take time and money. Helping him and his family will mean a lot to them.
In the Run/Walk there will be medals for all 5K finishers and prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers overall, male, female and kids (U12). T‐shirts are guaranteed for those participants who pre‐register online. A limited number of T‐shirts are available for those who register on race day. Pre‐registration is strongly encouraged.
Kelly Blanco, traffic reporter from NBC 6, will be the special guest emcee, and there’ll be food trucks, a silent auction, bounce houses and entertainment. A number of sponsors already are helping with the event. Bring your folding chairs or blankets to picnic at the park’s grassy surroundings.
For fundraising, the entry fee for Adult Runners/Walkers 18 and older is $35 and $15 for Youth Runners/Walkers U17. To register online, go to <register.chronotrack.com/r/21436>. Contact Eddie Diaz at 786-426-7492 or send an email to <jproadtorecovery@gmail.com> for information.
There is also a GoFundMe page at <www.gofundme.com/javiPerez>.
