Tackling Multiple Sclerosis with Marathons and Mountains
Wendy Booker’s energy seems endless – it takes more than marathons or mountains to slow her down. In fact, not even multiple sclerosis (MS) has been able to sideline her.
In June of 1998, the mother of three was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) after experiencing balance problems, blurred vision and numbness on her left side.
Determined not to let MS get the best of her, Wendy dedicated herself to a regimen, including a healthy diet, exercise, and COPAXONE
® (glatiramer acetate injection). In order to encourage others faced with adversity, such as MS, Wendy decided she was going to set her sights high – to the top of the highest mountain on each continent, also known as the “Seven Summits.” Although she did not fit the profile of the average mountain climber, who is generally a male in his mid-20s, Wendy believed that her diagnosis of MS had a higher purpose and this belief pushed her forward.
In 2004, Wendy successfully reached the 20,320-foot summit of Mt. McKinley, also known as Denali, and proved to the world that her MS diagnosis would not keep her from living her dreams. The expedition, her second attempt, provided the opportunity for her to be the only woman living with MS to conquer McKinley. Since her diagnosis, Wendy has participated in nine marathons, including the Boston Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, Chicago Marathon and New York Marathon.
She has also served as captain of the Marathon Strides Against MS team for the Boston-Area National MS Society. To date, Wendy has scaled Mt. McKinley in Alaska (2004), Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa (2005), Mt. Elbrus in Russia (2006), Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina (2007) and Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica (2008). She hopes to complete all seven summits by 2009, culminating with the summit of Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak.
Today, Wendy adds the title of inspirational speaker to her list of accomplishments. She travels frequently to share her personal story with others living with MS. She is a testament to the power of positive attitude and determination.
Although individual results may vary, Wendy states that, “Staying committed to a therapy has enabled me to continue living my life as I want, and I am looking forward to an interesting and rewarding future. Whether your goal is to take a dream vacation, finish college, or walk a mile, you can make it happen, and MS does not have to stand in your way.”
Team COPAXONE®
Wendy is sponsored in part by Teva Neuroscience as a member of Team COPAXONE®. Wendy is just one example of someone who is living with RRMS and pursuing her dreams. Team COPAXONE® celebrates the accomplishments of people, such as Wendy, who refuse to let MS stand in their way. Members are working to change the perceptions that society holds of people living with MS.
Advances in Medicine
Continuing research has led to treatments that can modify the immune processes thought to be responsible for RRMS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved drugs for RRMS, such as COPAXONE®.
Call 1-800-887-8100 for more information about COPAXONE®, Team COPAXONE®, or multiple sclerosis.
087005206/080450