Bayfield climber conquers Everest and inspires others

BAYFIELD, Wis. - A Bayfield mountain climber with multiple sclerosis has reached the top of the world.  Now she's taking part in a world–class event and traveling the country sharing her message of hope and perseverance.

She became the 1st person with MS to conquer Mount Everest, an incredible feat of strength, courage and endurance.  "Everest was life alerting for me; summit day I got to the top, couldn't see a thing, it was a blizzard and all I could do is to look inside and what I realized is I had become stronger and braver over the last 10 years since the day that I woke up numb with MS," said Lori Schneider.  "I felt like I carried the hopes and dreams of all of us with MS to the summit with me and they are my inspiration."

She returned from the summit of Everest 9 months ago, now Lori Schneider of Bayfield is traveling around the country sharing her message.  "My story is about climbing the mountains of the world but it's also about believing in yourself and climbing those mountains in your life."  Through climbing Lori says she gained back her courage and strength, now she's on a mission to empower others.  "I enjoy speaking with youth as well as adults, it's great to be out there and hear their stories and share mine as well," said Schnieder.

She's also taking part in the American Birkebeiner next Saturday.  For the 2nd year, the world-class event is raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  "Every single day, every hour, someone is diagnosed around the world with MS," said Schneider.  Every penny raised through the Birkie Skiers for Cures campaign is targeted for research to help find a cure for MS.  "It’s a fabulous event and I’m honored to be a part of that and the fact that they're helping to raise awareness of MS and raise some funds for that, it makes it all the more special for me to do that," said Schneider.

Schneider ski's a couple times a week around her property in rural Bayfield to prepare for the 12K Prince Haakon race.  It gets her outside again, in the elements with a goal to reach for.  "When I’m outside, hiking, mountain climbing or skiing, your goal is to put one foot in front of the other and that's what life is all about, that's what mountain climbing is about, that's what living with MS is about and that's what skiing is about," said Schneider.  "Just putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying the process of the journey that you are on."

Schneider will give her "Can-Do" presentation at Telemark Resort the day before the Birkiebeiner on February 26th at 1:30pm.  For more information, log onto her website at www.empowermentthroughadventure.com