Principal Who Lost Legs In DUI Accident Wants 'To Run A Marathon Again'

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It was the story that gripped the community – a horrific accident on April 26.

Popular bow-tie wearing South Dade Senior High School Principal Javier Perez was mowed down by what police say was a drunk driver.

The community and students rallied to his cause – holding blood drives and fundraisers.

"I can tell you the outpouring of love and support has been incredible," Perez said. "My students have sent me dozens, hundreds of e-mails, supported me and my family through this whole process."

He remembers nothing of the accident – spending a month in a coma. He also lost both his legs and has been doing intensive rehab.

But his doctor believes it's only a matter of time before Perez is out and about.

"Very stubborn and that has helped him get ahead. He is always pushing forward," said Dr. Raul Rolon-Torres.

As far as the lady who ran him down, that would be 51-year-old Marilyn Aguilera.

Police arrested her for DUI when she lost control of her SUV and crashed on to a baseball field at Tamiami Park.

Perez says he only wants to look ahead.

"When do you think you will visit the high school?" CBS4's Hank Tester asked him.

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

His wife knows he can achieve his goal.

"I always knew he was strong," Maytee Perez said.

But Javier insists, "She's a lot stronger that I am. Now that I look back on that first month of this ordeal that I was out and things she had to go through… she is my rock."

That support, that outpouring powers his every day.

"Once I get my prosthesis, I will continue being active. My goal is to be able to run a marathon again. That's a goal that may take me a year or two but that's what we are gonna do," he said.