Crafted from the research and experiences of Canada’s Suzanne Bernier, ‘Disaster Heroes - Invisible Champions of Help, Hope, and Healing’ takes readers into modern catastrophes including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Japan tsunami, to meet the philanthropic heroes who throw themselves into the face of disaster to save the lives of others. With a very special launch party about to take place in New Orleans, this wholly-unique literary project both captures and celebrates the selfless nature of humanity.
New Orleans, LA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2015 -- As Suzanne Bernier stood amidst the mountains of rubble during her first New Orleans volunteer rebuilding effort following Hurricane Katrina, she had plenty of time to reflect on the hundreds of hours she had spent as a news anchor telling the world about humanity's cold and sadistic tendencies. Now surrounded by tens of thousands of people who were willing to give their time and even their lives to save others, Bernier came to the stark revelation that humans are, in fact, hard-wired for collective survival.
These poignant and grounding experiences led Bernier to furiously start researching and profiling some of the everyday heroes who have shown up following disasters to do whatever it takes to make the world right again. In bold contrast to most other showcases of human behavior, Bernier has compiled their stories into 'Disaster Heroes - Invisible Champions of Help, Hope, and Healing'.
This powerful and ultimately life-affirming upcoming book captures the love and compassion that is so-often overlooked in the world.
"My time in New Orleans and subsequent research uncovered hundreds of stories of people who freely risked all odds in their endeavors to help rebuild the landscapes and lives of those devastated by disaster," explains the author, now an award-winning crisis management consultant. "My journalism experience made me acutely aware that we rarely focus on and celebrate the good, so I decided to share these empowering stories with the world."
New York Says Thank You volunteers help to rebuild Baker Chapel U.M.C. in DeGonia Springs, Indiana on the 9/11 Anniversary, 2006. Photo Credit: Sandra Hauser/ New York Says Thank You Foundation
Continuing, "And it all kicks off with a very special launch party at the New Orleans Decatur St. fire station on Tuesday, May 19th from 5pm to 8pm. There will be a party, book signing, Q&A and even a chance to see the Spirit of Louisiana, one of several fire trucks donated to FDNY after 9/11. But, most importantly, come along to meet and hear from some of the heroes profiled in the book. Their stories are timeless, but you'll never get a chance to see so many heroes in one room together."
Pre-release reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Honorable Tom Ridge, First Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, comments, "Suzanne Bernier has compiled a moving selection of stories from philanthropic men and women around the globe who acted with compassion and love in the face of catastrophe, be it natural or man-made. They didn't just talk about what should be done; they did it. They helped rescue, rebuild, and restore a faith in humanity that, especially in the face of such misfortune, can at times seem a foregone idea."
'Disaster Heroes - Invisible Champions of Help, Hope and Healing' will officially launch in the United States on May 19th.
To view the book trailer, visit: http://bit.ly/1Oz1z17
For more information on the book, as well as the author's background and disaster crisis consulting services, visit: http://bit.ly/1DsoAPY
Follow the book's progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisasterHeroes and on Twitter: @disasterheroes
About Disaster Heroes
Disaster Heroes profiles uplifting stories of ordinary men, women, and children who have done extraordinary things to help respond, rebuild, and recover from catastrophes around the world.
Did you know it was an American from Pennsylvania who ultimately saved the lives of 33 Chilean miners in 2010? Or that the state of Louisiana donated a fire truck, the Spirit of Louisiana, to FDNY following 9/11, all because of a spur-of-the-moment outburst from one Louisiana man? Or that a landscaper from Florida helped save thousands of lives after the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
These stories shine a light on everyday heroes who led and inspired others following disasters such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Chilean mine collapse, the Haiti earthquake, and the Japan tsunami. Many of these stories cross cultures, countries, and continents, highlighting the fact that there are no borders when it comes to helping others. We're all in this together. Regardless of our background, where we're from, or what we do for a living, these inspiring stories remind us that there's a hero in each of us.