Chai Lifeline:W.H. family makes a run for it

To be in the company of Peri Finklestein, of West Hempstead, is a delight. To have the pleasure of meeting her on her birthday made it even more special. The West Hempstead resident, a Chai Lifeline Camp Simcha Special camper who celebrated her 13th birthday on December 31, is participating in the upcoming ING marathon in Miami on Sunday, January 27, 2013, along with her family, who collectively make up TEAM FINKELSTEIN. TEAM FINKELSTEIN, a group of seven, including Peri, parents, Lori and Paul, siblings Katy (20), Joel (17) and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ellen and Steve, have committed to raise $18,000 for the organization that is such an integral part of their lives. “At the moment, we are short $1,000 but hope that over the next three weeks we meet our goal. Chai Lifeline has been part of Peri’s life and has given us so much since she was a baby. If I had a million dollars, I’d give it to Chai Lifeline, but I don’t and that’s why we are so anxious to raise money for them. We could never give back what they’ve done for Peri.”

Peri, was born with nemaline rod myopathy, the Eastern European form of muscular dystrophy. Statistically, there is a one in a few million chances of being born with it. Since Peri’s birth, pre-natal tests have been developed to test for it.

Peri attends West Hempstead middle school, mainstreamed since nursery, with the help of a registered nurse. “The district has been phenomenal to Peri. Therapists, a laptop at the desk, whatever she needs,” exclaimed Lori Finkelstein. “Art and Math are my favorite subjects, and I just entered an art contest,” noted Peri. Peri enthusiastically went straight to the Scholastic website on her ipad that is conveniently attached bedside to point out the 2013 Scholastic Art and Writing award contest that she entered. “I want to be a fashion designer or a dancer, expressed Peri. “I want her to be an attorney, she thinks like a lawyer,” noted Lori.

The half mile marathon (13.1 miles) is a major event for Chai Lifeline, who last year had a contingent of over 300 people. The run, which starts at 6 a.m. and travels through downtown Miami is the culmination of an entire weekend of festivities at the Eden Roc hotel, starting with Shabbos dinner. Saturday night after Shabbos is a combination pasta dinner and pep rally of sorts with a video.

“Several years ago when Peri was 3 or 4, Chai Lifeline convinced us to send to Peri to Camp Simcha Special. It’s hard when you have a child that is so medically challenged. My husband Paul made the point that while she is our kid, she’s really everyone else’s as well. Chai Lifeline is like an extended family. You don’t have to ask for anything, they just know. But when you do ask, they jump. I want other kids to be as fortunate as Peri,, expressed Lori Finkelstein.”

“Diane Liebman Braid is the reason why we do the race and why we send Peri to camp . Following eight years of being my son Joel’s big sister she said “I’ll be Peri’s counselor in camp.” She called one year and said, ‘I’m doing the race in honor of Peri’ ,” said Lori. This is Peri’s second time participating in the race, and the fourth year in total that a Finkelstein is participating. We prepare for this race for eight months. I fundraise through facebook, emails, mailings. I even stalk people. Some people donate $10, others $500. The $10 dollars means as much coming from one person as the $500 dollars does coming from the other. You really see the good in people, its so motivating.”

For more information about donating to Chai Lifeline in honor of Peri Finkelstein please visit www.teamlifeline.com and include TeamFinkelstein in the memo line.