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Hope for Livi 5K run/walk goes virtual

Paralyzed athlete Livi Pejo determined to overcome injury
August 12, 2020

Friends and community members are sponsoring a virtual 5K to benefit Livi Pejo’s recovery from a traumatic injury that left her with extensive injuries to her brain, neck, spinal cord and internal organs.  

In September 2017, Livi Pejo, who was 26 at the time, traveled to Dewey Beach with friends to compete in her first triathlon. She finished the Dewey Beach triathlon in one hour and 45 minutes, which was better than she expected.

The morning after the triathlon, Pejo left her hotel room to buy a bottle of water for the ride home. While she was waiting to cross the street, a driver coming from behind swerved off the road and onto the sidewalk at high speed, striking Pejo.  Toxicology results showed PCP, cocaine and marijuana in the driver’s bloodstream. 

Pejo was rushed to Beebe Healthcare and then airlifted to Christiana Hospital, where it was confirmed that she fractured her C1/C2 vertebrae, considered the most severe of all spinal cord injuries.    

Pejo moved into her parents’ home after her discharge from the hospital because she could not maneuver a wheelchair in her home.  The family later purchased a new home nearby, but the home needed many renovations to meet her handicapped needs.  Pejo, an award-winning interior designer, helped design renovations with an eye-gaze computer program.

Paying for Pejo’s equipment and healthcare is a struggle. But, Pejo faced every obstacle with the same determination and calmness as she had faced each leg of the triathlon. “It has been me and my family trying to move forward,” she said.

Races2Run teamed up with the Dewey Beach business community to plan a 5K run/walk to benefit Pejo, and bring her and her family back to Dewey for a weekend. The community wants to provide hope and financial assistance for her medical needs. 

The honorary committee includes Steve “Monty” Montgomery from The Starboard, Regan Derrickson from Nalu, Jimmy O’Conor from Woody’s Dewey Beach, Brandon Smith from Dewey Beer Company, Adam Newman from Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill, Ellen Driscoll from Cape Gazette, Maureen Griffith, Barb Brown Kursh from Races2Run and Drew DiFonzo from Hyatt Place Dewey Beach. The Dewey Beach Lions Club has also signed on as a financial sponsor. 

To help Pejo, the committee is selling raffle tickets, seeking financial sponsors and donations, and most importantly, runners and walkers to register for the virtual 5K.

Participants have until Aug. 29 to register to participate as a virtual 5K runner or walker. Those who don’t want to run or walk can also donate online toward Pejo’s medical needs and purchase raffle tickets for prizes including a handmade quilt, a bag valued at $600 and gift certificates from Dewey and Rehoboth restaurants.

Pejo recently shared her thoughts about how she will use the money raised:

“Given the current circumstances, I am doing well but still fighting to move forward and get some recovery. Since the accident, I have gotten some improvements, like no longer being dependent on the ventilator and seeing more strength in my muscles. However, I have not gotten any movement back, and I believe that being active and having a physical therapy program is most important. My insurance only covers a limited amount of PT hours, which will soon run out.  In addition, I am saving for another stem cell injection in the fall and any assistance will be helpful. All donations that I receive will go toward my physical therapy needs since the costs are really adding up and it is essential for my health and well-being. I really appreciate all the help and support from Dewey and Rehoboth community!”

To register for the virtual event to run or walk, donate, buy raffle tickets or become a sponsor, contact Barb Brown Kursh at barb@Races2run.com, 302-521-0134 or at raceroster.com/events/2020/28347/inaugural-hope-for-livi-5k-run-walk.

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