More than a Mountain: Our Leap of Faith

by Lori Schneider, Jeff Rennicke (Photographs), Monique L. Giroux (With)

“The 2011 Leap of Mount Kilimanjaro expedition paired 14 climbers who had either multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease with 14 companion climbers. As with other expeditions, the summit loomed large in the hopes and dreams of the climbers. In the end, 21 of the 28 Leap of Faith team members would indeed make it to the top. But for all the men and woman on this trip, the climb had a higher to carry the light of hope and a message of strength to the highest reaches of both our planet and the human spirit.
These are their stories—stories of fear and pain, of the courage to dig deep into that well of strength that lies within us all, and the willingness to try and try again, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Here are stories of shared joy and faith, stories of people who are more than climbers, on a climb of a peak that was more than a mountain, on an expedition that was more than a climbing journey.Here are the stories of a Leap of Faith.” – EXCERPT BY JEFF RENNICKE, 2011 LEAP OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION PHOTOGRAPHER
“Without question, these stories will inspire you and leave you in awe of the power and beauty of the human spirit.” - Phil Bolsta, author of Through God's Finding Peace and Purpose in a Troubled World
"An exhilarating adventure on many levels worth reading." - Christopher Luzzio, MD, Neurologist
"I have read all the exciting books by Krauker and Viesturs regarding climbing; More than a Mountain can be proudly shelved next to them.” - Dr. Jay L. Alberts, President and Founder, Pedaling for Parkinsons

294 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2012

Reviews

[María Figueroa Borque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. It shows us a way to face life, disease, insecurities...and has many beautiful stories shared. It truly deserves to be read.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I think of Lori Schneider, I think of the Chinese proverb, “The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.” Frankly, until I learned of Lori’s accomplishments, I wouldn’t have thought it was possible for someone with MS to scale Mount Everest, let alone the highest peak on each of the seven continents. Then, for an encore, she leads fourteen people with MS or Parkinson’s up Mount Kilimanjaro. What? The only way I can make sense out of that is to accept that Lori has redefined the word “possible.” Without question, these stories from Lori and her fellow climbers on her “Leap of Faith” expedition will inspire you and leave you in awe of the power and beauty of the human spirit.

I'm giving this book four stars because the quality of the writing (contributed by various members of the expedition) is spotty at best. For sheer inspiration and jaw-dropping feats of indomitable will, it's five stars all the way.

I've interviewed Lori on my blog a couple of times. Here's our first interview:
http://bolstablog.wordpress.com/2009/...

Lori continues to amaze and astonish me with her adventurous approach to life!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most aspiring books I have ever read. This is written with a first hand account of a group of individuals that have been diagnoisis with MS or Parkinson's and the unbelievable adventure of conquering Kilaminjaro. If only I would be so blessed with the the faith and belief that these individuals and carepartners had in this adventure of a lifetime. I love the sense of empowerment that was left with me at the end of this journey with these individuals.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book about people with MS and PD climbing Kilimanjaro. Amazing stories.