'persisted to' is a valid phrase in written English and can be used to describe someone continuing to do something in a determined way.
For example, "Despite her challenges, she persisted to finish the race."
These early institutions persisted to the present.
The carnival element persisted to the end.
This style has persisted to the present.
Controversy persisted to the very end of the 16th century.
"But unfortunately because of inaction a lot of this stuff has persisted to this day.
Still, enough patrons have persisted to turn this brasserie into an instant hit.
Mr. Giaquinto maintained that Mr. Harris persisted to make a reputation for himself among the inmates.
The Age of Microbes has persisted to the present day without interruption.
Geometrically painted ceramics in linear motifs persisted to the threshold of the Hellenistic age.
Because they never gave up on each other, conflicts of one kind or another persisted to the bitter end.
Throughout his four-year term an unfair campaign persisted to prove him somehow not right for the job.
