On Friday, Kim Pegula showcased the progress she has made in recovering from “significant expressive aphasia and memory issues” resulting from a brain injury following her cardiac arrest shortly after her 53rd birthday in June 2022. Her daughter, professional tennis player Jessica Pegula, described these challenges in an essay for The Players Tribune in February 2023.
Table of Contents
Who Is Kim Peluga?
Kim S. Pegula is a Korean-born American former businesswoman and the wife of multibillionaire Terry Pegula.
Kim Early Life
Kim Pegula was born in Seoul, South Korea on June 7, 1969. She has no memory of her birth name or parents, only knowing she was abandoned at age five. A DNA test suggested one parent might be Japanese. Adopted by Ralph and Marilyn Kerr in 1974, she grew up in Fairport, New York. She was a cheerleader and played bassoon in the school band.
Career
Kim Pegula was involved in East Resources until its sale in 2010. She and her husband, Terry, then purchased the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, and Rochester Americans. Kim played a key role in developing LECOM Harborcenter and later helped acquire the Buffalo Bills with a record $1.4 billion bid.
The Pegulas created Pegula Sports and Entertainment, including their sports teams and Black River Entertainment. Kim coined “One Buffalo” and was active with the NFL Foundation. They donated $12 million to Houghton College for a new athletics complex.
As president and CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, Kim oversaw property acquisitions in Buffalo and launched MSG Western New York. She briefly owned the Buffalo Beauts and Rochester Knighthawks. In 2018, she joined the NFL’s business ventures committee and became the first female president in NFL and NHL history. She served until 2023 when health issues led Terry to assume her duties.
Kim Pegula is among a few female NFL owners, including Sheila Ford Hamp, Virginia Halas McCaskey, Amy Adams Strunk, Carol Davis, Denise DeBartolo York, Gayle Benson, Janice McNair, Jody Allen, and Dee Haslam.
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What Happened to Kim Peluga?
Kim Pegula suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after her 53rd birthday. Emergency services were called, and CPR was administered until she was taken to a hospital and placed in intensive care for two weeks. In early 2023, it was revealed that she developed expressive aphasia during her recovery.
Over two years later, her tentative public appearance in July shows progress but highlights the lasting impact. Bills head coach Sean McDermott and players expressed gratitude and happiness at her recovery. Since the incident, her husband Terry, and their children have been closely involved in her care and managing her professional responsibilities.
About Kim’s Family and Children
Kim and Terry Pegula have three kids that is Kelly, Matthew, and Jessica, a professional tennis player. Kim also has two stepchildren, Michael and Laura, from Terry’s prior marriage. The Pegulas maintain residences in East Aurora, New York, and Boca Raton, Florida.
Conclusion
Despite health challenges, including a cardiac arrest and expressive aphasia, she has shown remarkable resilience. Known for her philanthropic efforts and significant contributions to sports and community development, Kim Pegula’s life is a testament to her strength, adaptability, and lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Pegula
- What is Kim Pegula’s background?
- Born in Seoul, South Korea, adopted by Ralph and Marilyn Kerr, raised in Fairport, NY, and married to Terry Pegula.
- What are Kim Pegula’s notable achievements?
- Co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, key in developing LECOM Harborcenter, and co-founder of Pegula Sports and Entertainment.
- What health challenges has Kim Pegula faced?
- Suffered a cardiac arrest and developed expressive aphasia but is showing significant progress.
- What philanthropic efforts are associated with Kim Pegula?
- Donated $12 million to Houghton College and involved in various community and sports-related philanthropy.
- Who are Kim Pegula’s children?
- Kelly, Matthew, and professional tennis player Jessica. She also has stepchildren Michael and Laura.
