Principal injured by drunken driver hopes to run marathon one day

Javier Perez thanks family, community for support

SOUTH MIAMI. Fla. – With his wife and doctor by his side, South Dade High School principal Javier Perez spoke about a devastating accident that nearly killed him.

"I thank the Lord for giving me a second chance at life and allowing me the opportunity to one day be able to help others," Perez said.

While coaching his son's Little League team in April, Perez was hit by Marilyn Aguilera, who police believe was drunk behind the wheel, 

Both of Javier's legs had to be amputated above the knee as a result of the crash.

Perez did not want to discuss the driver when he spoke to Local 10 News, but talked about the strong will of his wife, Mayte Perez.

"She is the one that had to handle the kids, the questions, whether I was going to make it or not," Perez said.

He said Mayte Perez has been his rock. 

"You know going to therapy, and it is not easy for me to watch," Mayte Perez said. "Bending and twisting and all the things they are doing. Now it is hard for him." 

After being in a medically induced coma for a month , Javier Perez was amazed by the love and support shown by the community including blood drives and fundraisers for prosthetic legs.

"The community's reaction blew my mind," he said. "It just made us realize that we are in a good place. The world is in a good place."

Javier Perez, who is noticeably thinner, and his wife felt it was too early to show his injuries. They focused on his recovery.

 Javier Perez said he wants to run a marathon someday, and his inspiration is his children.

"They actually feel that their dad is a superhero,” Javier Perez said. "Wait till you get the prosthetics. Yeah, well, yeah my little one thinks I am Iron Man."         

Javier Perez said he realizes he has a long way to go in rehab, but he  can't wait to get back to his South Miami Dade High family. 

"Hopefully in a few months, when I am able to walk, " he said. "I want to go back the way I left."