Universe Juice Stories
Featured Stories
Our Reunion Stories are where the bonds forged in adversity shine bright! These heartfelt narratives from our reunion events between survivors and their first responders convey profound connections, shared journeys, and moments of hope and gratitude.
Moira “Scotty” Perna
Sisters Thank First Responders Who Tried to Save Their Mother; Create a Public Safety Campaign in Her Name
South Kingstown, RI - March 13, 2025
On September 21, 2020, Moira “Scotty” Perna tragically lost her life in a car accident involving downed electrical wires, sparking a fire in Moira’s car. Four and a half years later, Moira’s daughter, Lisa, on behalf of her family, requested to be reunited with the first responders and witnesses who tried to save her mother. Lisa noted, “I want to personally say thank you to all the men and women who tried to save the life of our mother and who save the lives of others every day.” On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Universe Juice fulfilled Lisa’s reunion wish.
“I just wanted to say thank you! Yesterday was nothing but incredible in many ways. I was resistant initially because I was afraid of reliving the pain of it all. I’m feeling so good today! All the work you put in for your first event. I think it was perfect, hope you’re proud. The campaign is still getting all kinds of awareness, it’s pretty amazing. Thank you so much.” Beth, daughter of Moira.
In addition to bringing together several of the first responders who answered the call, Lisa wanted to do something special to honor her mother. One witness told Lisa that if only they had a fire extinguisher in their car, they could have tried to save her mother. This inspired Lisa to take up a collection and donate fire extinguishers to her local fire station to be available for residents to keep in their vehicles. Lisa shared, “I would like others in my community to have the chance to try and save the life of someone else.”
Together with Lisa, the South Kingstown Fire Districts and Universe Juice created “Moira’s Mission”, a public safety campaign encouraging people to place fire extinguishers in their cars. To date, Moira’s Mission has collected donations to purchase over 100 fire extinguishers which have already been distributed locally. Donations continue to arrive. Lisa’s vision is to make Moira’s Mission an annual campaign and expand its reach statewide.
“This is so amazing… I’m at loss for words…I love every moment of this.” Moira’s daughter, Lisa
“Moira Perna's daughters have the kind of spirit that I admire. Their efforts to keep their mother's legacy upheld are sincerely appreciated. When I picked up the free fire extinguisher for my vehicle this week, the gentleman firefighter …. indicated it was your organization who was responsible for arranging this gift for me. Thank you for everything you do to bring community closer in the wake of trauma. Please accept my thanks for the fire extinguisher and for your great service. Thank you, for putting in my hands the unit I had always thought about getting to help others....but, like most of us busy folks, never got around to it.” Susan, South Kingstown resident
A Thank You Breakfast for Her First Responders
Charlestown, RI - August 10, 2024
Two and a half years after her accident, our founder, Lisa Brunetti, finally got a chance to thank many of the first responders from Charlestown and South Kingstown, RI, who answered the call on January 11, 2022. With over 75 people in attendance, the event was also the official launch of Universe Juice. Lisa could think of no better way to launch the non-profit than with those who inspired its creation.
Founder’s Story
On January 11, 2022, I was hit head-on by a drunk driver who was traveling in the wrong direction on a local highway. The impact was severe, resulting in significant injuries that necessitated urgent transportation via med flight to a trauma one hospital for treatment. Thanks to the prompt and skilled assistance of local first responders, along with the nurse and paramedic on the med flight, my life was saved.
The night of the accident was filled with uncertainty, and my family feared for my survival. However, the exceptional team of trauma doctors at Rhode Island Hospital managed to piece “humpty dumpty” back together again despite my extensive injuries.
-
In total, I endured fractures in 18 bones, including those in all four limbs and four ribs, along with a ruptured diaphragm and other internal injuries. Following treatment at the hospital and two rehabilitation facilities, it took four months before I could finally return home in a wheelchair, learning how to walk again.
Five months after the accident, I had the privilege of meeting Mike, the paramedic from my med flight, at a local fundraiser organized on my behalf. Mike’s attendance at the fundraiser happened by chance, and he noted when he arrived, he wasn’t sure if I had survived or not. Shortly thereafter, my family arranged a meeting with Nicki, my med flight nurse, and Mike to extend our thanks to them both.
The reunion was a powerful and healing experience for all involved, allowing us to convey our gratitude not only for Mike and Nicki’s service to our family but also to our community at large. The accident had a profound impact on my entire family, causing considerable trauma that lingered long after the physical wounds had healed. Meeting the two individuals who played such a crucial role in my survival proved to be immensely therapeutic and contributed significantly to our healing process. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with others through Universe Juice.