Two years ago, Villagers coordinated a fundraiser and raised $11,502 for a U.S. Marine who became a quadruple amputee due to an improvised explosive device.
This year, Sgt. John Peck finally received a successful double arm transplant, being the fourth patient to undergo such a risky operation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
The total cost of the transplant was almost $500,000, but with the aid of Villagers for Veterans head Marie Bogdonoff, the former Marine was able to undergo surgery.
Bogdonoff coordinated a benefit two years ago during the summer, which was sold out and raised money towards the surgery costs.
She shared that Peck finished his surgery at the end of August.
The now 31-year-old veteran will have to spend months doing therapy to learn how to use his new arms, which have been gaining a sense of feeling and will be a painful process.
Despite this new obstacle, Peck spoke at a press conference in the Boston hospital, expressing his gratitude for the transplant and optimism for engaging in activities, such as cooking, that he could not do before the surgery.
“I feel so blessed to have been a part of this miracle. When I first found out, I cried not because I was sad but because I was overwhelmed with joy,” said Bogdonoff
She and the rest of the Villagers for Veterans are arranging an event to welcome Peck as he visits The Villages. The veteran will visit as soon as the group finds a venue available for a Saturday evening to host the event.
Anyone who is interested in helping the Villagers for Veterans, contact (516) 220-5068 or email the group at villagersforveterans@gmail.com.
