Aron Ralston, Helping Restore Ability 2016 Hand in Hand Luncheon Speaker
In 2003, Aron Ralston's extraordinary human drama grabbed headlines around the world. An experienced climber and avid outdoors-man, Ralston was descending a remote Utah canyon alone when an 800-pound boulder broke loose, crushing his right hand and pinning him against the canyon wall. After nearly five days -- without water and with no hope of escape -- Ralston made a life-or-death decision. He chose life by severing his arm below the elbow, rappelling a 65-foot cliff out of the canyon, and trekking seven miles to find his would-be rescuers. As he says:
"May your boulders be your blessings. May you be able to embrace them. And may you find what's extraordinary in yourself."
