They blow whistles and declare “Adult Swim” but on Sunday, the lifeguards of the Wellington Family Aquatic Center will donate their time for another cause.
Starting at 8 p.m., a benefit swim for Bailey Cornejo will be held at the Wellington Aquatic Center. Admission is $3 with additional donations for Cornejo being accepted.
Lifeguard Jessica Miller said she and her co-workers felt the need to do something for the Wellington girl.
“We know the whole family,” said Miller. “I used to play ball with Bailey and I saw her around town all the time.”
Cornejo received a traumatic brain injury after an accident on June 26. Pam Cornejo, Bailey’s mother, said the 14 year-old was at first unable to speak but is now on the road to a full and healthy life.
“Everyday, you can see, she truly does better,” she said.
For the first time since the accident, Cornejo is able to walk short distances without assistance and to tie her shoes — major accomplishment’s her mother said.
“At first she was slow to wake up,” Pam Cornejo said of her daughter after the accident. “But everyday she would do a little extra. At first she would lip words, then it was barely a whisper and she’s talking just fine now,”
Cornejo will continue to be in a rehabilitation hospital in Lincoln, Neb., until the end of the month, her mother said, and extensive therapy will be needed up to two or three months after the 14 year-old’s return home.
“We’re looking at a year, year and a half until she’s completely back to where she was,” Pam Cornejo stated.
With a long road ahead of the family, Miller said a benefit “just seemed like something we should do.”
Miller said the event came together without a hitch. After asking Assistant Pool Manager Katie Sisson if the pool could be used, Wellington Recreation Center Director William Weber gave the green light.
Everyone and anyone is invited to the event and not only will the event benefit a Wellington local, it will be fun for the whole family, Miller stated.
Silent auctions featuring items donated from around town will be held throughout the swim. Donations include Sonic and Mayfield Meats certificates, BBQ supplies from Hobb’s Mechanical and even a 2008 season pass to the pool donated by the Wellington Recreation Center.
Donations of items are still being accepted, Miller stated.
A majority of the lifeguards — about 20 total — have agreed to volunteer their time to contribute to the swim through not only watching the pool, but by conducting games.
Excited about being able to help a friend and neighbor in need, Miller encouraged all of Wellington to come make a splash.
“It’s a great thing to do for the family. It’s going to be a great time....It’s going to be a blast so come out and have some fun.”
For more information on the swim contact the Wellington Recreation Center at 326-3323.
Cards may be sent to Bailey Cornejo at Madonna Rehab Hospital, Room No. 135, 5401 South St., Lincoln, NE 68506-2150.
Donations may also be made to a fund established at First National Bank for Bailey Cornejo. Call 399-3364 for more details.
Wellington, Kan. —
