Health
Woman with muscular dystrophy completes 12 marathons in wheelchair for charity: ‘Won’t let it define me’
Born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, Peri Finkelstein has never let her disorder define her.
Instead, the 24-year-old New Yorker has used her challenges as a springboard to make the world a better place, completing 12 marathons to raise funds for charity.
In January 2024, Finkelstein’s nonprofit organization — the Team Peri Foundation — exceeded the $1 million fundraising milestone for its Chai Lifeline project, which offers support to families following an illness diagnosis or trauma.
FATHER CREATED A DRUG TO SAVE HIS SON FROM A RARE DISEASE, NOW OTHER FAMILIES ARE DESPERATE TO GET IT
Making an impact
Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 genetic conditions that affect the functioning of the muscles, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Peri Finkelstein, 24, has raised more than $1 million to help children with deadly diseases, partly through her marathon events. (Team Peri Foundation)
Finkelstein’s form of the condition, called nemaline rod myopathy, causes severe muscle weakness and affects her speech and mobility.
Despite her physical limitations, she was inspired to start doing marathons in 2010 when her mother and brother began running them for charity.
“After watching everybody do the marathon and cheering from the sidelines, I knew that I wanted to make more of an impact,” she said during an interview with Fox News Digital.
MOTHER FRANTIC TO SAVE CLINICAL TRIAL THAT COULD CURE HER DAUGHTER: ‘THE TREATMENT IS SITTING IN A FRIDGE’
For the first few years, Finkelstein’s mother pushed her in a jogging stroller with all the necessary medical equipment secured to the bottom.
Then, in 2016, Finkelstein decided it was time to stand up and walk a few steps over the finish line, with the help of her physical therapist and her parents.
Finkelstein heads toward the finish line of a marathon in Miami, Florida, in February 2024. (Team Peri Foundation)
“At that moment, it felt as if I could do anything that I put my mind to,” she said.
“It was a defining moment, when I realized the only person who could get in my way was myself — and that it was up to me to change my life.”
‘LIQUID GOLD’ COULD BRING NEW HOPE TO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS, STUDY SUGGESTS: ‘PROFOUND BENEFIT’
In subsequent marathons, those initial steps turned into walking more than 1,000 steps, then a mile, and then a mile and a half, forwards and backwards across the finish line.
After several years of pushing that “extra mile,” Finkelstein experienced medical challenges in 2022 that made her unable to compete.
“It never dawned on me that part of my life would be over,” she said.
“You have to push yourself to the limit for each mile marker, as nothing will ever come easily.”
“Once I officially lost that part of myself, I realized that I couldn’t allow this setback to get to me — I knew that I had to keep moving.”
Instead of competing physically, Finkelstein now funnels her energy into her foundation’s fundraising efforts.
Finkelstein’s form of muscular dystrophy, nemaline rod myopathy, causes severe muscle weakness and affects her speech and mobility. “Not every day is all rainbows and sunshine,” she said. (Claudio Papapietro)
“Since I was 8 years old, my dream was to launch a nonprofit organization of my own,” she said.
“The same mindset that I used to prepare both physically and mentally for a marathon is what I carry into my daily life as an entrepreneur.”
STIFF PERSON SYNDROME PATIENTS SHARE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE WITH THE RARE DISEASE
The Team Peri Foundation strives to make the world a “more connected and inclusive place for all,” Finkelstein said, with the mission to “educate others on the power of inclusion and to disrupt the stereotypical views revolving around disability.”
‘Not all rainbows and sunshine’
While Finkelstein strives to stay positive and focus on her goals, she acknowledges that her day-to-day life isn’t always easy.
Finkelstein’s family and friends support her during a marathon in Miami. (Team Peri Foundation)
“Not every day is all rainbows and sunshine — some days are harder than others, to the point where severe migraines, fatigue and pain keep me from doing what I have to do,” she said.
THE GIRL WHO CAN’T SMILE: HOW A RARE DISORDER BECAME A YOUNG WOMAN’S ‘GREATEST GIFT’
Finkelstein undergoes different forms of therapy multiple times a week, has frequent doctor’s appointments and is “always in pain,” she shared.
Her social media posts highlight the highs and lows.
Finkelstein is pictured with her parents, Paul and Lori Finkelstein, on the day her foundation hit the $1 million fundraising mark 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 rather dark or filled with light — I can portray that people with disabilities can live a full life and step out of line in ways that can change the course of their future,” she said.
To other people living with a disabling condition, Finkelstein advises them, “Use your rareness to your advantage.”
“My time is precious and I still have a lot more to accomplish.”
“Growing up, I would give anything to blend in and become invisible, as being ‘different’ put a lot of labels on me that caused me to be bullied severely by students and teachers alike,” she said.
“But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it’s OK to be rare.”
Finkelstein is pictured with her siblings, Katy Finkelstein (right) and Joel Finkelstein, in January 2024. She credits her family with supporting her through all her endeavors. (Barbara Quagliard)
Life itself can be compared to the dozen marathons she has competed in, according to Finkelstein.
“You have to push yourself to the limit for each mile marker, as nothing will ever come easily,” she said.
“All the pain, traumas and setbacks are what enable you to keep going and keep hustling.”
“You have to power through the pain, because there is no other option.”
Future goals
Since hitting the $1 million milestone, Finkelstein and her foundation have launched new projects, including a scholarship fund in partnership with Adelphi University, where she earned her MBA in marketing.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
She also works to boost awareness and education through speaking engagements, social media and podcasting, and hosts various fundraising events throughout the year.
Finkelstein plans to write and publish a memoir to share her life’s journey with the world.
“It’s always in the back of my mind that I cannot wait to live my life — because of physical disability and medical challenges, it could be cut short,” Finkelstein said. (Team Peri Foundation)
“While I used to be an athlete, I am still just as competitive and am somewhat of an overachiever in the real world,” Finkelstein said.
The entrepreneur is also acutely aware that life is short.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“It’s always in the back of my mind that I cannot wait to live my life — because of physical disability and medical challenges, it could be cut short,” she said.
“My time is precious, and I still have a lot more to accomplish.”
As October marks World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, it’s an opportune time to learn and support those with the condition.
About 5,700 babies are born in the U.S. with Down syndrome each year, and more than 400,000 people in the country currently live with it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The life expectancy of those with the condition has increased dramatically over the years. In 1983, it was just 25 years old, but it is now 60, per the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
LIFELONG BEST FRIENDS WITH DOWN SYNDROME TO ATTEND COLLEGE TOGETHER
Below is everything you need to know about Down syndrome and how you can help spread awareness about it.
Read on …
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month around the world. About 5,700 babies are born in the U.S. with Down syndrome each year. (iStock)
- What is Down syndrome?
- What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
- Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
- What ribbon represents Down syndrome?
- How do you observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month?
1. What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome.
Chromosomes determine how the body forms and functions. Those born with an extra chromosome experience changes in the way the body and brain develop.
A baby is typically born with 46 chromosomes. A baby with Down syndrome has a full or partial copy of chromosome 21.
The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases.
Less common types of Down syndrome are translocation (caused by rearranged chromosome material) and mosaicism (when there is a mixture of two types of cells).
There are no known ways to prevent the condition during pregnancy and no known root causes, experts say.
Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases. (iStock)
One risk factor associated with Down syndrome is the age of the mother — for a 25-year-old pregnant woman, the odds are about 1 in 1,250. At age 40, they are 1 in 100, statistics show.
2. What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
There are both physical and developmental symptoms of Down syndrome.
NANNY AND 5-YEAR-OLD WITH DOWN SYNDROME SAY DAILY AFFIRMATIONS TOGETHER-‘SO EMOTIONAL’
Physical symptoms include a flattened face; shorter height; short neck; small ears, hands and feet; and decreased muscle tone, according to the CDC.
Physical symptoms include a flattened face; shorter height; short neck; small ears, hands and feet; and decreased muscle tone, according to the CDC. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Developmental symptoms include a short attention span, impulsive behavior, slow learning and delayed speech development.
While these are all common symptoms, not every child with Down syndrome will display each one of these traits.
3. Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month promotes education about the condition. (Anda Chu/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is “a month to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of our loved ones with Down syndrome,” according to the National Down Syndrome Society, which created the occasion in the 1980s.
“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities,” states the Special Olympics website.
“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities.”
“So, it’s no surprise that each year in October, we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness about the condition and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“People with Down syndrome still face stereotypes and myths, but they’ve shown time and again that the condition is just one part of who they are and doesn’t define them or limit their abilities,” the statement continued.
“That’s why it’s so important that during Down Syndrome Awareness Month and all year long, we help spread the message of love, acceptance, inclusion and respect.”
4. What ribbon represents Down syndrome?
The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. People can choose to wear a blue and yellow ribbon throughout the month to spread awareness.
Some also choose days to wear blue and yellow clothing to spread the word and support those with Down syndrome throughout the month.
The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. (iStock)
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 each year – which stands for the tripling of the 21st chromosome (3.21) in people with the condition.
5. What can you do to observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month?
Educating yourself and others about Down syndrome is one way to honor the occasion throughout the month. You can educate yourself by reading books and articles and watching documentaries.
For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health
You can take your knowledge and spread awareness to others by sharing information on social media.
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 each year – which stands for the tripling of the 21st chromosome (3.21) in people with the condition. (iStock)
Through the month of October, there are plenty of events, fundraisers and walks around the country dedicated to Down syndrome awareness.
You can also choose to set up a fundraiser of your own or support a local business founded by or inspired by individuals with Down syndrome.
There are also many volunteer opportunities to take advantage of during this time. GiGi’s Playhouse and Special Olympics are two examples of organizations that participate.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
A growing number of kindergarten children are starting school without vaccinations due to rising exemptions, according to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Vaccination rates among kindergarteners decreased during the 2023-2024 school year for all reported vaccines, the agency said.
Exemption rates from one or more vaccines rose to 3.3%, an increase from 3.0% in the prior year, the CDC stated.
COVID VACCINE DISTRUST GROWING AMONG AMERICANS
Vaccination coverage is currently at 92.7% for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Approximately 127,000 children in the U.S. started kindergarten with exemptions from one or more vaccines last year.
A growing number of kindergarten students are starting school without vaccinations due to rising exemptions, according to new CDC data. (iStock)
The exemption increase was reported in 40 states and Washington, D.C.
Fourteen states saw exemption rates exceeding 5%.
Vaccine exemption policies
Students are required by law to get certain vaccines in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
All states allow medical exemptions for students who cannot get vaccines for health reasons, the same source said.
NEW COVID VACCINES GET FDA APPROVAL FOR 2024-2025 SEASON
Some states (30 states and Washington, D.C.) also allow exemptions for religious reasons, and another 13 states will grant exemptions for religious and personal reasons.
Five states (California, West Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Maine) do not grant any non-medical exemptions, per the NCSL.
‘Worrisome trend’
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, called the rising exemptions a “worrisome trend.”
“It’s fueled in part by a growing politicization and fear of vaccines, a hugely important public health tool,” he told Fox News Digital.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, children’s vaccination rates were at 95%, a number that provides “herd immunity,” according to the doctor.
Students are required by law to get certain vaccines in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images)
“That’s particularly important with a virus such as measles, which is the most contagious virus on the planet,” Siegel said.
“There will be increasing outbreaks of measles, polio, chicken pox and other dangerous viruses if the vaccine rate continues to drop.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
In terms of whether the influx of migrant students into the U.S. factors into the rise of vaccine exemptions, Siegel said that “could be a small part of it.”
“Anyone who comes into the school system unvaccinated (including migrants) increases the chance of disease resurgence,” he said.
“Vaccine hesitancy” exists all over the world but is “especially a problem” in Europe and the U.S., according to an infectious disease expert. (iStock)
Dr. Edward Liu, chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, noted that “vaccine hesitancy” exists all over the world — but that it is “especially a problem” in Europe and the United States.
“Anyone who comes into the school system unvaccinated (including migrants) increases the chance of disease resurgence.”
“Since school systems allow for opt-out options for vaccination of their students, schools will have more problems with vaccine-preventable illnesses, like chickenpox, measles, mumps and flu, increasing the potential for isolated outbreaks,” he told Fox News Digital.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“The only way to deal with this is to educate parents, and also limit vaccine exemptions in schools, which may mean stricter state mandates,” he advised.
“Otherwise, local schools will be under pressure to relax their vaccine requirements.”
Wyoming Wildlife Photo Contest Open for Entries
Cryptocurrency dogwifhat Falls More Than 7% In 24 hours
Is Lument Finance Trust, Inc. (LFT) the Cheapest Penny Stock to Buy Right Now?
How a restless night or a good workout can affect your brain — even days later
Hellboy: The Crooked Man Movie Review – IGN
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
North Carolina residents will see changes to early voting after Hurricane Helene
TikTok faces new lawsuits in the US accusing it of harming children
The Supreme Court appears to have found a gun regulation it actually likes
Kamala 2.0’s challenge? Making more news, and not just with ultra-friendly hosts
Borrell-to-Kallas: Will EU lose its balance in its Middle East policy?
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25439572/VRG_TEC_Textless.jpg "Charter will offer Peacock for free with some cable subscriptions next year")
Technology6 days agoCharter will offer Peacock for free with some cable subscriptions next year
-
World5 days agoUkrainian stronghold Vuhledar falls to Russian offensive after two years of bombardment
-
World5 days agoWikiLeaks’ Julian Assange says he pleaded ‘guilty to journalism’ in order to be freed
-
Technology5 days agoBeware of fraudsters posing as government officials trying to steal your cash
-
Health3 days agoHealth, happiness and helping others are vital parts of free and responsible society, Founding Fathers taught
-
Virginia7 days agoStatus for Daniels and Green still uncertain for this week against Virginia Tech; Reuben done for season
-
Sports4 days agoFreddie Freeman says his ankle sprain is worst injury he's ever tried to play through
-
News3 days agoLebanon says 50 medics killed in past three days as Israel extends its bombardment