Lori Schneider's Interview
With Alan Arnette of
www.alanarnette.com
March 23, 2009
Meet the Climbers: Lori Schneider- MS climber for
the 7 Summits
Everest is no stranger to tough people. We have had
climbers without legs, one arm, blind, diabetes and
other disabilities summit against all odds. These people
are always inspirational. Lori Schneider, who has MS, is
one of the most inspirational climbers we have seen in a
while. Her physical and mental courage and strength is
amazing. But also her determination to make a
difference. She recently embarked on a speaking career
to inspire others to overcome their obstacles - both
real and imagined. Lori takes her own advice quite
literally as she recently told me:
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Two weeks ago I spoke
to a group of 300, and was moved to tears to
see them standing and applauding when I was
finished. I need to get better at asking for
fees, because I took out a loan for $80,000
to pay for the Everest climb and the
supplemental oxygen charge. I quit my 20
year teaching career back in 1999 when I was
diagnosed, and have drained all of my
savings from the sale of my house, so I
decided to invest in myself.
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Lori was very generous to answer a few quick questions
as she is walking out the door to catch a flight to
Kathmandu. Please meet Lori Schneider:
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 Q:
With only a week to go, what occupies your
thoughts right now?
I am worried that I will not have
time to complete all the last minute details
and still have a few peaceful days to spend
time with those I love.
Q: You have MS. Are you doing
anything special at the extreme altitudes of
Everest?
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis ten
years ago, when I awoke one morning with
numbness in half of my body. I have only had
symptoms a couple of times during the past
ten years, so I am one of the lucky ones. I
say that MS means "Mostly Strong". My goal
on Everest is to keep myself as healthy as
possible, so I am bringing my special energy
shake powder (Living Fuel), my omega oil
capsules, and a healthy dose of positive
attitude.
Q: Of the 6 of the 7 summits you
have completed which was the most
satisfying?
Denali tested me to the limits, so in
conquering it, I felt a sense of empowerment
over my MS and the other mountains &
obstacles in my life.
Q: Your willpower and determination
are amazing. When times get tough, what
keeps you going?
I have this mind game that I like to play
with myself, when things get hard. First, I
give my self permission to just take "one
more step". In doing so, I break down the
idea of the overwhelming task of what I see
that lies ahead. Then I distract myself by
picking a wonderful day from my past, and
reliving it, one thought at a time. I try to
remember the sights, smells, sounds and
thoughts that I experienced that particular
day, and time passes in a comforting way.
Q: Your 7 Summits quest happened
kind of by accident, what will be your next
goal after Everest?
Through the EmpowermentThroughAdventure.com
business that I have set up, I hope to bring
a group of people with MS to Kilimanjaro
each year, along with guides and sherpas. I
would like to help others with the disease,
feel that sense of triumph over their
physical bodies & illness, and in doing so,
mentally know that they are strong once
more.
Q: You are embarking on a public
speaking career. What is your key message?
Empowering others to move beyond their
labels and perceived limitations, believe in
themselves, and live their dreams.
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She is climbing with Alpine Ascents International and
dispatches will be through their site. This will be her
7th of the seven summits. You can read more about Lori
on her
site. Lori - we are all pulling for you. Climb High,
Climb Safe, Climb On! |
This interview is reposted here on
www.empowermentthroughadventure.com by permission of Alan
Arnette of
www.alanarnette.com.
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