Sgt. John Peck lost his arms and legs in Afghanistan but this week found hope from a hospital along with some communal love and generosity from The Villages.
Peck said in a telephone interview on Friday he was “listed” two days ago by a Boston hospital for a double-arm transplant. That means the Marine could be called at any moment for what is considered experimental surgery, once a donor is found.
There was more good news Friday night when a sold-out benefit for Peck at American Legion Post 347 raised close to $7,000 to help with Peck’s financial burden.
“Right now, my spirits are so high, I’m having trouble sleeping,” Peck said. He was 24 when injured four years ago by an improvised explosive device. Peck lives in Fredericksburg, Va. The surgery will be done in Boston, Mass.
“The call could come any minute and I have to immediately get transportation to the airport and fly to Boston,” said Peck, who also served in Iraq. “In the past two days I’ve had about six hours sleep. I keep waiting for that phone call.”
The cost of the surgery and medical care is expected to be around $500,000. Much of it will be donated but Peck will have to pay for travel expenses, hotels, and meals. He must also have a caretaker with him at all times and faces about three years of rehabilitation.
Peck said the government doesn’t pay for “experimental surgery.” He added that he will have to assume costs and expenses ranging up to $150,000. Those interested in helping
can go to his web page at www.johnpeckfund.org.
Villager Marie Bogdonoff heard about Peck’s plight during a local fund-raiser for wounded veterans earlier this year. She planned the benefit in July and it quickly sold out.
“I had to do something for such a brave young man who gave so much for all of us,” Bogdonoff said.
On Friday night she was beaming at the turnout and show of financial support. “But this just isn’t about money,” Bogdonoff said. “It’s about the people in The Villages showing John how much we love and care for him.”
Peck had never been to The Villages or even heard about the place. He didn’t know Bogdonoff and seemed genuinely touched by the efforts of the people here when he spoke on Friday afternoon.
“It’s awesome that Marie and The Villages would do so much for me,” Peck said in a soft voice. “I just want to thank everyone who lives in The Villages for supporting me. These people have opened up their wallets, their purses and their hearts for me.
“I want them to know that I will be thinking of them and I want them to know the money is going for a good cause and will help. I hope the people in The Villages will continue to follow my recovery. I won’t forget them.”
John “Woody” Woodall has been with Peck since he was injured four years ago.
“John Peck has had a lot of individuals come forward to help him,” Woodall, president of the Fire Fighters Assisting Armed Forces Families organization. “But this is the first time a whole community has come forward. John is overwhelmed that so many people in The Villages would care so much about him. For him, it’s like a new lease on life.”
Woodall, who also works with the Independence Fund to help injured veterans, lives in Raleigh, NC and flew here to represent Peck at the event.
“John had a tough time right after he was hurt,” Woodall said. “The first time I saw him he cussed me out. He was angry at everybody. But over the years he has come around. He’s accepted what he can’t do and he’s willing to fight for what he can do. That’s why he wants this transplant. This kid’s a fighter and a bulldog. He won’t quit.”
Villager Linda Richards heard about Peck last year, when she donated $10,000 to the Independence Fund. She was mentioned on the air by Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly and eventually found out about Peck. She expects to fly north to meet Peck in person next month.
“We all owe a lot to John Peck,” Richards said. “He is my hero.”
Singer Roy Michaels, who volunteered to perform at Peck’s fundraiser, shared that view.
“I don’t know John Peck, but I know what he means to me and to our country,” said Michaels who has performed with the vocal group, the Brooklyn Bridge. “I’m here to salute John Peck. And I want people to remember what our men and women in the armed forces are sacrificing to protect us.”
Richard Duncan, commander of the Squadron 347 Legion Post, said that “this benefit is what we are all about. Our fathers served our country and we are to honor our fathers and serve our sons. John Peck is one of our sons. He also represents what we are all about.”
It was quite a tribute and although Peck was far away, on this night he seemed close to The Villages.
“I’ve never been there but I’ll get there someday,” he said.