Mike Simonson, Wisconsin Public Radio

(WPR) A World MS Day flag flag is hanging in the Multiple Sclerosis International Foundation offices in London, thanks to the efforts of a Wisconsin woman with MS who climbed Mount Everest.  

The flag was tucked away in Lori Schneider's clothing while the Bayfield woman climbed to the summit of Mount Everest in May. There she took it out and let it wave at the top of the world. Last week, she traveled to MS International offices and presented them with the 3-by-3-foot flag. Schneider recalls having tears in her eyes, saying the flag became a part of her, the climb, and her purpose.

The flag's journey was in itself incredible. She kept it in a plastic bag in her suit during the climb. Even so, it's almost in perfect shape. An inscription on the flag reads, “Live your dreams one step at a time. Lori Schneider, Everest '09.”

Schneider was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago. She's had bouts of numbness, but her symptoms are in remission. After climbing all seven of the world's continental peaks, Schneider finds herself a celebrity. In London, she was interviewed on the BBC's World Update.   She's been invited to speak in Germany next year.