Ecuador:  Well, I am back in the mountains and after that huge ‘mountain hangover’ I am finding myself loving every second.  I am climbing with a new guide company, RMI, and if the last three days are any indication I am with a top notch group.  In addition to that, I am climbing with 12 awesome men!  Ahhhh… be still my heart.  There have been more fun and laughs then I have enjoyed in a long time.  Nothing nicer than being with people who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Today we did an acclimatization hike to 14,300 feet.  We stopped along the way to test our blood oxygen levels with a small meter.  We were instructed not to share the number and to keep it a secret since everyone reacts differently to altitude and the number doesn’t always indicate performance.  We are meeting up for dinner in a few minutes and I plan to get that number out of each one of them!  Nothing a little red wine can’t help along.

Okay off to complete my mission… wonder how hard it is going to be?

Climb On!

Wendy

p.s.  mine was 95!

I’m a 67 yr old woman diagnosed almost 20 yrs. ago with chronic progressive MS.  I’ve traveled extensively and just completed college!  I was interviewed and on the front page of our local paper.  Quite an accomplishment.  I’m very active and am considering continuing for another degree.

Dianne

Amazing story!  This spring I am trekking with IMG to base camp at Everest. First time!  Good luck this spring.  I’ll be leaving base camp – around the 14th of April – before your attempt, and will be following your progress from the comfort of my home.  May this time be the best time for you!
David P.

Hi Wendy:

I had the opportunity to hear you speak at a recent MS Seminar at REI in Huntington Beach, CA. All I can say is that you brought me to tears!

I was an Ice Skating Instructor and have been unable to skate over the last year due to my MS exasberations. You have inspired me to coach kids and adults with disabilities – which I plan to do after I get my “butt off the couch” and learn to skate again!

You are a fantastic motivational speaker. I felt like you were speaking directly to me – about my MS – and my motivation to stay physically fit! I am the “3 S’s” – especially “stubborness”!!

Thank you

Lucia

Wendy,

I had the pleasure of hearing you speak in Clovis, California this past Thursday evening.  I told you then that I had “needed” to hear your message and truly believe it was meant that I be there. You’ve set your amazing goals and in the process have helped other people all along the way….all those wonderful kids! Amazing!

I was diagnosesd with MS this past January and you mentioned to me that the first year is the hardest.  It HAS been challenging, but each new day is looking brighter.  (Actually lately, days don’t just look brighter, they seem to SPARKLE!)

You asked me what my mountain is… I’m still searching for the big moutain, but I have little foothills in my sight.  I’m already organizing a walking team for the Fresno area MS Walk in April of 2010.  I also love making jewelry and have goals to get back into  making and selling my pieces.

I have added “Beautiful Day” to my playlist!  It reminds me of your strength and endurance as I work out on my elliptical machine (15 whole minutes a day after a 5 month relapse that has left me with much numbness and burning sensations in my left leg!) I’ve spent so much time in bed this year and now I’m anxious to push my body just a little more each day!

Thank you so very much!  MS is just going to be a “blip” in my life story. For these past 10 months I have truly worried that MS would become my life – slowly taking over ever square inch of my body and my mind.  But I’ve already learned that I can become a better person through adversity. MS is just in the background and I can go forward to the live the best life possible from here. That is my goal… and I thank you for helping to open my eyes and heart the other night! I’ve been a changed person since.

Be well,
Kim

I was diagnosed with MS 2 years ago.  I’m 42 years young.  I can’t wait to meet you tomorrow in San Diego.  I’m was an All American athlete in both high jump and javelin in college.  I’m also a lead climber (rock).  I love thin face climbs, classic cracks…all of it.

Before diagnosis my balance was becoming terrible and didn’t understand why.  I moved away from climbing and began sportfishing and freedive spearfishing.  Today, I run my own boat (HUNTRESS) and live life to the fullest.

I have recognized myself in your story and been inspired by you for some time now.  I’ve tried other therapies that were not tolerated by my liver.  I too now take Copaxone and am doing well on it.

Best Regards,
K.

Thank you so much, Wendy.  I saw you tonight at Santana Row in San Jose, CA. You are an inspiration.  I have always told myself, I can dig deeper… and somehow, someway, I always do.  IT WORKS!!!

Keep doing what you are doing…the world needs you!!

Elise B.

Hi Wendy,

I saw you speak in Kansas City at Turning Point.  I spoke with you and shared that I have MS and that my son Emerson was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.  We are doing great and trying to be optomistic about our future.

I really enjoyed listening to you speak and hope life treats us all well.  Good luck – Are you still going to Everest this year?  (YES!!)  There are so many great people out there, and Emerson recently was able to receive an all expenses paid trip to Disney world from RADio dj KIDD Kraddick along with 52 other kids with serious illnesses.  We are so excited for him.

I am still trying for my MBA in Healthcare Management so maybe one day I can help others with serious illnesses.  Thanks again for just being you.

Aimee

Wendy immediately caught my attention by telling us that she was from Boston (as am I) and was a casual runner (me, too).  My grandmother, whom I lived with until I was 23, had MS. Therefore, I am very aware of the daily challenges of the disease.

All of this got me to thinking, “What is my problem?” In other words, I am healthy. What’s stopping me from doing “more”.  So, I bit the bullet and signed up for the Falmouth Road Race (7 miles) the day I came home from National Conference.

I did run it (in 1:01) this August, and thoughts of Wendy and, of course, my grandmother, got me through it strong.  I consider this just the beginning of big changes, big challenges, and big accomplishments!

Linda B.

Hi Wendy. I just wanted to say thank you. After hearing you speak on Saturday in South Florida, you motivated me to exercise more.  I am not gonna let my MS defeat me.  No more looking in the rear-view mirror.  If I just add 1 minute a day to my bike riding, its a start.  I did just that.  Both Sunday and Monday, I beat the MS.  When I wake up every day, I plan to listen to what you said, while I ride my bike.  Thank you so much, Wendy.  God Bless you.

Jay R.