Born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, Peri Finkelstein never let her disability define her.
Instead, the 24-year-old New Yorker used his challenge as a springboard to make the world a better place, completing 12 marathons to raise money for charity.
In January 2024, Mr. Finkelstein's nonprofit, Team Peri Foundation, surpassed a $1 million fundraising milestone for its Chai Lifeline project, which provides support to families after a diagnosis of illness or trauma.
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influence
According to the Cleveland Clinic, muscular dystrophies are a group of more than 30 genetic disorders that affect muscle function.
Peri Finkelstein, 24, raised more than $1 million to help children suffering from a deadly disease through her marathon run. (Team Peri Foundation)
Finkelstein's condition is called nemaline rod myopathy, which causes severe muscle weakness and affects speech and motor skills.
Despite her physical limitations, she started running marathons in 2010 when her mother and brother started running for charity.
“After watching everyone run the marathon and cheering from the sidelines, I wanted to make more of an impact,” she said in an interview with FOX News Digital.
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For the first few years, Finkelstein's mother carried him in a jogging stroller with all the necessary medical equipment strapped to the bottom.
Then in 2016, with the help of a physical therapist and her parents, Finkelstein decided to get up and walk a few steps across the finish line.
Finkelstein heads to the finish line of a marathon in Miami, Florida in February 2024. (Team Peri Foundation)
“At that moment, I felt like I could do anything if I put my mind to it,” she says.
“It was a defining moment when I realized that the only thing that could stand in my way was me, and that it was up to me to change my life.”
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In subsequent marathons, I would walk back and forth across the finish line, starting with over 1,000 steps, then a mile, then a mile and a half.
After several years of trying to go the extra mile, Finkelstein experienced medical issues in 2022 that prevented him from competing.
“I never thought a part of my life would end,” she said.
“Nothing comes easily, so you have to push yourself to the limit with every mile.”
“Once I officially lost a part of myself, I realized I couldn't let this setback come to me. I knew I had to keep moving.”
Instead of competing physically, Finkelstein now focuses her energy on fundraising for the foundation.
Mr. Finkelstein suffers from Nemaline Rod Myopathy, a type of muscular dystrophy that causes severe muscle weakness and affects his speech and motor skills. “Every day isn't all rainbows and sunshine,” she says. (Claudio Papapietro)
“My dream since I was 8 years old was to start my own nonprofit,” she said.
“The same mindset I used when preparing physically and mentally for a marathon carries into my daily life as an entrepreneur.”
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Finkelstein said the Team Peri Foundation strives to make the world a “more connected and inclusive place for everyone,” and “educates others about the power of inclusion and focuses on disability-centering.” He said his mission is to “break through the stereotypes that people have.”
“It's not all rainbows and sunshine”
Finkelstein tries to stay positive and focus on her goals, but she admits that day-to-day life isn't always easy.
Finkelstein's family and friends cheer her on during the marathon in Miami. (Team Peri Foundation)
“Not every day is rainbows and sunshine. Some days are harder than others, to the point where I can't do the things I need to do with severe migraines, fatigue, and pain,” she said. Ta.
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Finkelstein receives various forms of treatment multiple times a week, visits doctors frequently and is “constantly in pain,” she said.
Her social media posts highlight the highs and lows.
Finkelstein is pictured with her parents, Paul and Lori Finkelstein, on the day her foundation reached $1 million in fundraising in January 2024. (Team Peri Foundation)
“My hope is that by sharing bits and pieces of my world, portraying all the different sides of me, whether it’s pretty dark or full of light, people with disabilities can find fulfillment.” “It's about being able to portray that you can live a life that's true to yourself and step outside the box in some ways,” she said. “That could change the course of their future.”
Finkelstein advises others living with a disability to “use your scarcity to your advantage.”
“My time is valuable, but there is still much to accomplish.”
“As a child, I gave everything I could to blend in and not stand out. I was labeled a lot for being 'different' and was bullied severely by both students and teachers because of it. '' she said.
“But as I got older, I realized it was okay to be rare.”
Finkelstein is pictured with her siblings Katie Finkelstein (right) and Joel Finkelstein in January 2024. She credits her family with supporting her through all her endeavors. (Barbara Qualiard)
Finkelstein said her life can be compared to the dozen or so marathons she has run.
“Nothing comes easily, so you have to push yourself to the limit with every mile,” she said.
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“With all the pain, trauma, and setbacks, it’s what allows you to keep moving forward and keep trying.”
“I have no choice but to push through the pain, because I have no other choice.”
Future goals
Since reaching the $1 million milestone, Finkelstein and her foundation have launched new projects, including a scholarship fund in partnership with Adelphi University, where she earned an MBA in marketing.
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We also strive to raise awareness and education through speaking engagements, social media, podcasting, and host various fundraising events throughout the year.
Finkelstein plans to write and publish a memoir to tell the world about his life's journey.
“It's always in the back of my mind that I can't wait to live my life, which could be cut short by a physical disability or medical issue,” Finkelstein said. (Team Peri Foundation)
“I used to be an athlete, and I'm still just as competitive and somewhat of an achiever in the real world,” Finkelstein said.
Entrepreneurs are also acutely aware that life is short.
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“There's always a thought in the back of my mind that I can't wait to live my life, which could be cut short by a disability or medical issue,” she said.
“My time is valuable, but there is still much to accomplish.”
