Blind 9/11 Survivor to Speak at JJC on Sept. 12

Michael Hingson, a blind man who survived the 9/11 terrorist attacks with the help of his guide dog, will speak at Joliet Junior College on Sept. 12. Here is a news release from the school on the event:

The public is invited to attend a series of free presentations, book signings and meet-and-greets with blind 9/11 survivor and author Michael Hingson on Thursday, Sept. 12 in the Theatre in K-Building on the JJC Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet. 

Each presentation will be followed by a book signing and meet-and-greet. The event times are: 

9:30 a.m. – noon

1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

As was the case with many Americans, Michael Hingson’s life changed dramatically on Sept. 11, 2001. He and his guide dog Roselle were among those working in the World Trade Center that day, experiencing the terrorist attacks first hand. Through a remarkable demonstration of trust and teamwork, Hingson and Roselle escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One moments before it collapsed.

Hingson and Roselle became recognized experts of the strength of teamwork and the human-animal bond, and have been successful in communicating the power of trust in countless media interviews and public presentations.

Hingson’s #1 New York Times best-selling book, “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero”  was released in August 2011 and gives readers an unprecedented look at how a guide dog team works and how blind people can be just as successful as “our light dependent colleagues.” A harrowing story of trust and courage, “Thunder Dog” reveals how blindness and a bond  between dog and man saved lives and brought hope during one of America’s darkest days –  September 11, 2001.

“Thunder Dog” will be available for purchase from the JJC Bookstore that day and at the book signings.

For more information about the events, contact Ed Vasil at evasil@jjc.edu or (815) 280-2384.

For more information about Michael, visit www.michaelhingson.com.