Hope for Livi virtual race nets $13,000 for injured athlete
The Inaugural Hope for Livi Virtual 5K run/walk raised $13,000 to help injured athlete Livi Pejo with extensive medical bills following her traumatic injury in Dewey Beach in 2017.
Races2Run President Barb Kursh said she was compelled to help after learning about Pejo’s story in September 2019.
In 2017, the day after Pejo competed in the Dewey Beach Sprint Triathlon, she was struck by an impaired driver whose vehicle swerved off the road at high speed and crashed into her, leaving her a quadriplegic.
Since then, Pejo has fought to overcome her injuries through medication, multiple surgeries and extensive therapies, including stem cell injections. So far, her medical expenses are about $2 million, and insurance pays only a fraction of those costs.
To help, Kursh assembled an honorary committee comprising representatives from The Starboard, Nalu, Woody’s Dewey Beach, Dewey Beer Company, Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill and Cape Gazette, who provided gift cards and other in-kind donations. The Dewey Beach Lions Club and community member Maureen Griffith also helped plan and sponsor the event, Kursh said.
The 5K was originally planned as a live race in May, but due to COVID-19 precautions, it became a virtual event from July 29 through Sept. 13, during which time participants could run and then record their times online.
Pejo said she appreciates all of the community help she has received. She said she has made some improvements; she is no longer dependent on a ventilator, and her muscles are regaining strength.
Most of the funds raised will go toward a stem cell injection she plans to receive in spring 2021.
“Originally, I was scheduled for Oct. 26, but decided to reschedule because of COVID. Hopefully it will be safer in a few months to get on a plane,” she said. “Also, I want to use the money to purchase a standing frame. It will be great to stand, especially after three years of being in a chair.”
Pejo will also direct funds toward physical therapy; she said her insurance only covers a limited amount of physical therapy hours, which will soon run out.
Pejo has returned to work as an interior designer using an eye-gaze computer program compatible with design software she used at work. She also sells her own fluid art paintings on etsy, and created paintings to thank race sponsors. A GoFundMe account has raised more than $52,000 for medical expenses, and is accepting donations.
“We are hoping to be able to hold this Hope for Livi 5K again in 2021 as an in-person event in Dewey Beach if the health of our nation improves,” Kursh said.
