Stephanie Zundel, a 22-year-old Edison native, will participate in the 2017 Boston Marathon.
EDISON -- Despite being blind since the age of three, 22-year-old township native Stephanie Zundel has never backed down from a challenge. And on Monday, she will face one of her biggest endurance tests yet -- the 121st Boston Marathon.
Zundel, who is the daughter of 17-year Edison police officer, Charles Zundel, will embark on the 26.2-mile race after qualifying at the New York City Marathon with a time of 4 hours and 50 minutes.
"This a really exciting time for me," Stephanie Zundel said in a statement issued by the township.
For Stephanie Zundel, she has never seen her blindness as a setback.
"In fact, it motivates me to achieve more," she said.
She added, "Disabilities do not disable a person. Disabilities enable us to accomplish our goals in a different way. There's always another way."
Stephanie Zundel is also a black belt in karate and is an avid boxer in Nashville, Tennessee -- where she attends college at Vanderbilt University. She is set to graduate in May.
Charles Zundel said in the statement, "Nothing stops my daughter. Nothing sets her back. Stephanie has been that way since childhood, making my wife Kimberly and I extremely proud each step of the way."
But, Stephanie Zundel says running would not be possible without her volunteer guides, Amy Harris and Harvey Freeman, of the Nashville chapter of Achilles International -- which assists those with disabilities.
"I lock elbows with Amy or Harvey, and off we go," she said. More than 30,000 people are registered to participate in this year's Boston Marathon, which is considered one of the nation's more difficult races. Hundreds of mobility-impaired athletes are expected to take part.
More than 30,000 people are registered to participate in this year's Boston Marathon, which is considered one of the country's more difficult races. The race will include hundreds of mobility-impaired athletes.
Stephanie Zundel has the support of Edison PBA Local 75 and township police Chief Thomas Bryan, who said, "I cannot think of a more amazing young person to represent Edison Township in the Boston Marathon."
PBA President Michael Schwarz said in the statement that the union would help pay for her travel expenses.
Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey also plans to honor her with a proclamation for her achievements.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.