Wendy B. was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in June 1998. Rather than succumb to the effects of this illness, Wendy decided to inspire others and raise awareness of MS by climbing the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each of the seven continents). She has succeeded in conquering five of the seven already, having climbed Vinson Massif in Antarctica in January 2008 - the first woman with MS to ever do so. She was the first woman with MS to summit Denali, and is currently the only person suffering from MS (man or woman - any age!) to reach the top of five of the seven summits. Not only is Wendy accomplishing these feats with MS — she 54 years old! Wendy and her climbing partner, Brooke B. of Mountain Link, are leaving August 29th for Nepal and Cho Oyu to train for her Mt. Everest climb in the spring of 2009, and will go to Australia in September 2008 to climb summit #6. Wendy travels the country speaking on behalf of MS bringing hope to many. She also candidly speaks to school children about overcoming the obstacles of life and influences many of them to view difficulties and disappointments as opportunities.
Wendy B. is a truly inspiring and remarkable athlete. Besides climbing mountains, she has run numerous marathons including the New York and Boston since being diagnosed with MS. Thousands of MS sufferers have been energized by the courage Wendy demonstrates. You can learn more about Wendy at her website www.wendybooker.net. Wendy's story was featured on CBS Sunday Morning May 4th and that is an inspiring piece as well. I believe Wendy exemplifies the courage and spirit of your foundation, and would be a worthy hero.
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
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