US Airways Flight 1549, which plunged into the Hudson River one year ago, served as a shakeup and a wake-up for two of the surviving passengers who will speak in Asheville on Sunday (Feb. 7).
Debbie Ramsey of Knoxville and Beth McHugh of Charlotte will head the special event “Brace for Impact: Life Lessons from Survivors of the Miracle on the Hudson” from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Jubilee Community, 46 Wall Street. They will be joined by Kevin Quirk, co-author of the new book “Brace For Impact: Miracle on the Hudson Survivors Share Their Stories of Near Death and Hope for New Life” (HCI Books). Ramsey and McHugh are two of the book’s 25 passengers and first responders who detail their experiences with the notorious Miracle on the Hudson on Jan. 15, 2009.
One of the crew members on the flight, Shelia Dail, lives in Woodland Hills.
Ramsey lost her job while suffering from post-traumatic st ress syndrome and still fears flying, but discovered that the trauma prompted her to slow down, appreciate family and faith, and “has made me a much stronger person.” McHugh’s gratitude at surviving the crash and rescue spurred her to hug everyone she meets because “they are a gift I never expected to have. Many people tell me that when they hug me, they feel like they are hugging a miracle. ” McHugh recently chose early retirement to spend more time with her daughters and grandchildren, while Ramsey looks for forums to share her message that “no matter how hard life may be at any time, there is always hope. I prepared myself to die three times that day.”
Admission is on a donation basis, and a book signing sponsored by Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe will follow the talk. At 2 pm on Sunday, Ramsey, McHugh, and Quirk also will hold a talk and book signing at Barnes and Noble, Asheville Mall. Part of the royalties earned from their book will be donated to the American Red Cross and other first responder groups.
For more information, go to braceforimpact.hcibooks.com.
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