Aron Ralston, who documented his ordeal in the book 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, will be the featured speaker at the Greater Chattanooga Area American Red Cross’s 4th annual Hometown Heroes Luncheon on March 30, 2011. His story is now told in the major motion picture, 127 Hours, starring James Franco.

During a day hike in Blue John Canyon near Moab, Utah, an 800-pound boulder pinned Ralston’s right forearm to the canyon wall, crushing it. A rescue was unlikely because he had neglected to inform anyone of his whereabouts. With little food or water with him he was unable to sit, lie down, use his right arm or sleep; he knew he was in for an excruciatingly difficult time. After five days of trying to lift and break the boulder, a dehydrated and delirious Ralston decided that the only way to save his life was to sever his arm and repel down the canyon wall. Aron tells the riveting story about his experience, and most importantly, what he learned during those 127 hours.

Ralston grew up in Colorado and graduated with honors from Carnegie Mellon University in 1997 with a double major in mechanical engineering and French. He moved to Aspen in 2002 to climb all of Colorado’s “14ers” -- 59 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet. After the accident, he reached his goal. Ralston, who wears a prosthetic arm, has continued to climb, is a professional speaker and has started a conservation organization in Colorado and Utah.

For information about becoming a sponsor and attending the Red Cross Hometown Heroes Luncheon please visit www.chattanoogaredcross.org/heroes or call Claudia Moore at 423.265.3455, extension 134.