Disaster Heroes

by Suzanne Bernier, Candice L. Davis, Tom Ridge (Foreword)

THE LATE FRED ROGERS, BELOVED AND GENTLE HOST OF PBS' Mister Rogers' Neighborhood for over 30 years, once said: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Helpers and heroes shine brightest in darkness. Disaster Heroes recounts the 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? Former journalist Suzanne Bernier, now an award-winning crisis management consultant, instructor and speaker, was first inspired to write Disaster Heroes while participating in her first New Orleans volunteer rebuilding effort following Hurricane Katrina. After hearing so many inspirational stories of help, hope, and healing, she decided to find and profile everyday heroes involved in responding to some of the world's most significant recent disasters. 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.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2015

Reviews

[Deena Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disaster Heroes by Suzanne Bernier is a book of different catastrophes that have struck people around the world. It details the events and the people who came to the aid of those who were struck hard. Each story focuses on how a stranger essential took it upon themselves to do something to help, regardless of how impossible it seemed to be, and they succeeded.

Each story renews your faith in mankind. You would not think a book with the word Disaster in the title would be a feel good book, but it is. It’s the story of individuals pulling together with only one purpose and that is to help others who lives have been put in peril.

There are good people out there. In this book we get the pleasure to meet some.

[Jandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suzanne Barnier has sewn together ten, tell told stories about ordinary people who have done extraordinary things in response to disasters around the world. Some times these disasters were in their own back yards and other times they were far removed from direct involvement but they felt compelled to help their fellow humans regardless of the distance or challenges between them. 

Disaster Heroes tell the tales of many every day, normal people who have stepped up to the plate and gone above and beyond, and each story is connected not only by this but  also through creative thinking, a drive to do something beyond one's self, and to engage with those around you to discuss what is truly important to us all. 

Her approach to writing is very personal and you can see her connection with each individual hero. I also enjoyed the occasional picture which gives the reader a look through the heroes own eyes what great things they were accomplishing. It is a quick but thoroughly gripping and enjoyable read. As a teacher I feel as though this would be a wonderful resource in my social studies classroom when looking at social responsibility on a local,national or global scale. Though in actuality it could be utilized in ANY classroom setting to spark a discussion about motivation, little choices that have big impacts and dedication and drive to fulfill one's passions.