The South Dade High School principal who survived being struck by an SUV says he's moving forward with his life and hopes to one day walk again on prosthetic legs.
Javier Perez spoke with reporters Thursday at Baptist Hospital, giving a glimpse into the worst moment of his life.
"The first responders saved my life," Perez said.
Video obtained by NBC 6 shows the South Dade High principal getting rundown while coaching a little league baseball game with his son back in April. The woman police say was behind the wheel, Marilyn Aguilera, is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol at almost three times the legal limit.
"I'm not even going to get into that because realistically we're here to move forward," Perez said. "Yes, this was a tragedy, but at the same time something good is going to come out of it."
Despite losing both of his legs and being in a coma for a month, Perez said his motto has always been to move forward. And he's doing just that with the help of his wife.
"She's my rock," Perez said.
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He also said he gets help from his children.
"My little one thinks I'm Ironman!" he said.
The help of his medical staff and even strangers also helps.
"People coming to the hospital to meet me, sharing their stories with me, I've received books from people around the country that have gone through something similar," Perez said.
Grateful and motivated, Perez is looking forward to his next challenge: learning to walk using prosthetic legs. In fact, the Marlins are helping him out by holding a fundraiser next week, where he'll be throwing the first pitch in that game.
"I want to go back the way I left," Perez said.
