Wendy Booker: On the Other Side of Everest...

Wendy Booker, Founder and CEO of The Other Side of Everest Educational Foundation, is a veteran climber and marathon runner with multiple sclerosis who has faced her own challenges in life and overcome.

Wendy was diagnosed in June of 1998 with MS after experiencing numbness in her legs for several months and, eventually, falling down at work. Her mission as a climber is to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, to inspire others by telling her story, and to climb the highest mountains on each of the world's continents (The Seven Summits).

In May of 2009 she confronted her greatest obstacle yet by ascending Mt. Everest – the highest mountain on earth. In spite of hard work, a lot of heart and an excellent team, Wendy’s expedition was forced to turn back due to weather and her health. Not to be deterred, Wendy will attempt the summit again in 2010.

Originally from Rye, New York, Wendy now divides her time between Beverly Farms, Massachusetts and Boulder, Colorado. She attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City and graduated from Ohio University in 1976 with a major in Education and minor in Theatre and English.

By launching The Other Side of Everest Educational Foundation, Wendy Booker intends to serve the troubled, impoverished communities that make the sport of mountain climbing possible, and segue that service into inspiration and perspective for US youth who also face poverty and despair. This pairing of children helping children to make the world a better place will bridge the long miles between Nepal and the US and create a bond of hope for a bright future.

As a prolific speaker and MS activist, Wendy will be donating a portion of her earnings from speaking engagements and DVD sales to the Foundation, and her generosity and commitment has made the formation of this wonderful charity possible.

Photo Slideshow

Founder Wendy Booker's Personal Story...

Interested in knowing more about multiple sclerosis and how you can get involved? Visit the National MS Society at www.nmss.org.

Want to learn more about Wendy mission or contact her about speaking?

Visit www.wendybooker.net!

The Board of Directors

Mike English, Massachusetts

Michael English has worked in the accounting field for over twenty years. Currently he works with Barrington Wright Associates providing financial management for a number of organizations both in the for-profit sector and the not-for-profit sector. Michael lives in Gloucester with his wife and two sons. He enjoys running and participating in triathlons, and has trained with Wendy Booker in the past for marathons. Mike has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University.

Jim Cleere, Massachusetts

A classroom teacher for 14 years, Jim has taught in rural, suburban, and urban schools. He has also worked as an educational consultant and curriculum developer for more than six years. Jim is a 4th grade teacher at the Donald McKay K-8 School in East Boston, Massachusetts. He has a BA from the University of Montana and is completing a master’s degree from Clark University with a focus on curriculum and education reform. Jim’s teaching is grounded in creating authentic, project-based learning experiences through which his students can develop their thinking and imagination as well as practice skills and competencies in real-world contexts. His classroom has been featured in National Geographic’s Extreme Explorer magazine and CBS News’ Sunday Morning highlighting his students’ work with Wendy Booker and the Seven Summits Project.

Trish Thomas, Colorado

A management consultant for 8 years, Trish is the owner and founder of Akamai Consulting. She has a BS in Computer Information Systems and an MBA in Management & Strategy. Always active in her community, Trish is a member of the American Mensa Society, her local Chambers of Commerce and many professional organizations. Philanthropy is central to Trish's life and she has walked through the process of launching her own charity in the past. Some other pro bono projects for deserving non-profits include the University of Denver, the Women's Wilderness Institute and Circle of Care.

Tom Devine, Alaska

Tom Devine is a mountain climber, businessman and philanthropist who acts as the Foundation's liaison to Nepal.