Community Corner

David Wright Helps WH Girl Live Dream

Life hasn't been easy for 13-year-old Peri Finkelstein.

The West Hempstead resident was born with nemaline rod myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy, which has left her bound to a wheelchair and breathing through a ventilator.

However, the disease didn't take away Finkelstein's spirit and love for the game of baseball.

The California-based charity When U Dream A Dream recently got Finkelstein a visit with her favorite ballplayer: New York Mets all-star third baseman David Wright.

The West Hempstead teen and her family not only got to meet Wright, but, according to Newsday (paid link), they received "field level access during batting practice, a stadium tour and a shopping spree courtesy of When U Dream A Dream."

Finkelstein and her family are major fundraisers for Chai Lifeline, an international Jewish organization that supports sick children and their families. Peri's mother, Lori, mentioned their work to Wright.

After learning of Finkelstein's charity work, Newsday reported:

       Wright ran into the Mets locker room and returned with one of his jerseys for the upcoming All-Star Game, in which he will serve as captain of the National League's team at the Home Run Derby. Wright signed the jersey and handed it to Peri.

This isn't the first time When U Dream A Dream has helped Peri.

Back in December 2011, the charity got Peri on stage at the Lincoln Center with the famous the New York City Ballet.

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