September 14, 2004
The Incredible Story of Aron Ralston
On Friday night, September 10th, NBCs Dateline aired the incredible story of Aron Ralston, the 27 year-old Colorado adventurer who cut off his own arm in order to extract himself from a slot canyon in the Utah wilderness where he had been trapped for six days. I taped the show--Desperate Days in Blue John Canyon--and watched it spellbound last evening.
Ralston's story is beyond amazing. I'm still shaking my head. Could I--could you--cut off your own arm to save your life? It's hard to say isn't it? I've been in some pretty sticky situations in the backcountry, but nothing--nothing--even remotely approached what Ralston experienced. Six days in a remote canyon with your right armed pinned by an immovable boulder, with enough supplies to last only for a day hike, and with hope dwindling even more as each hour, each day passed. But finally, with a do-or-die determination, Ralston summoned the courage to do the unthinkable--to free himself and live--by sawing off his arm with a dull knife. And after that incredible act, to have the strength to get himself out to help. Unbelievable!
Not to take anything at all away from Ralston, but it's likely that the ordeal could have been avoided had he not broken one of the cardinal rules of backcountry travel: Tell somebody where you're going and when you expect to be back. Ralston repeatedly stressed that fact during the interview. All backcountry traveler's should heed his advice, even for short trips away from the road and car.
I'm ordering his book Between a Rock and a Hard Place as we speak. I'm figuring it will be a great read.
Hello Carey,
I was wondering if you would sell me a copy of the Dateline special you taped about Aron Ralston? I have been unable to find a copy and was hoping you might do this. Thanks.
Debbie
Posted by
DebbieDecember 25, 2004 03:18 PM
I would like to buy a copy of the Aron Ralson tape you made.
Posted by
Julie DonnellyJanuary 12, 2005 01:59 PM
Currently I am teaching a survival unit to my 8th grade students. I, too, would like to purchase a copy of the Dateline special. Please email me.
Posted by
OliviaJanuary 16, 2005 03:36 PM
If you are making copies of the Dateline special, I would love a copy. I could send you a blank tape and money for shipping. I would be ever so appreciative. Thank you. Feel free to e-mail me.
Posted by
LaurieJanuary 18, 2005 07:44 PM
Hello Carey. I happened upon Tom Brokaw's special on Aron Ralston this past fall and was extremely moved by it. My husband did not see it and would really love to. We just finished his book the other night. If you haven't read it yet you must soon. It is an unbelievable read. I know you have had several requests for copies of your coveted tape of the NBC special. Are you sharing? Can I please get a copy? I would be happy to send you a blank tape, cash, you name it! Thanks. -Meg
Posted by
MegJanuary 31, 2005 08:49 PM
You sure have a lotta requests for videos!
Posted by
LucyFebruary 17, 2005 01:52 AM
Hey Carey,
So what did you decide about sharing your tape?
Have you ever been so popular?
Please let me know if it's possible to receive a copy and what you would require in return.
Thanks a lot! Bonnie
Posted by
BonnieApril 6, 2005 09:42 PM
I am doing a book review on Aron Ralston next month. I would love to share the Dateline: Between a Rock and a Hard Place. NBC is not selling copies. Are you? I would love one. Thanks, K. Goodman
Posted by
K. GoodmanApril 26, 2005 10:35 AM
I too am looking for a copy of the Dateline special to share with my classes. Any help in directing me to a source would be helpful.
Thank you.
Tanya
Posted by
TanyaApril 26, 2005 08:15 PM
I'm looking for a copy of your Dateline special with Ralston. I just finished reading the book with my class. Please let me know If your willing to sell me a copy or willing to share your copy.
Posted by
Doreen candelariaMay 10, 2005 05:50 PM
I caught part of a special on TV on Aron Ralston's accident but could not watch it at the time. Aron was taken back to the scene. I have been trying to find out since then who produced it and where I could get a copy. I now assume that the Dateline special is what I saw. If so, I would like to purchase a copy if possible. Thank you. sgcdds@comcast.net
Posted by
SusanMay 11, 2005 04:55 PM
TLC is showing "The Aron Ralston Story - Trapped in a Canyon" this week. May 18 Wednesday, and May 22 Sunday. It is a near carbon-copy of the same show as presented by NBCs Dateline last September. Tom Brokaw, 2 hours long.
Posted by
Kal PerryMay 16, 2005 05:49 PM
I would like a copy of the tape for the Aron Ralston story, interview by Tom Brokaw. I was not able to tape the program this week and would like to have my kids who live in Europe view it. I realize he has a book out but I would like a tape as well.
Thank you
Posted by
Phyllis MarksMay 19, 2005 02:00 AM
I just saw the last few minutes of the show on TLC. Do you have a copy of that or the Dateline show?
I would be gald to pay and send you a blank tape if needed.
Thank you
Posted by
Peter FowlerMay 22, 2005 10:14 PM
Unbelievable story - I was so impressed with Aron - I had to tape this special that was on The learning channel for my son and daughter (26 and 28). I emailed information to my son who is in Germany going to school and who is very much like Aron on outdoor activities. My son (26) climbed the Zugspitze in Germany, snowboards, mountain bikes, ski's. Aron impressed me with his strategies, his strength and his courage. God bless him. He is a great example on survival and my son is very impressed. Even his parents impressed me.
Posted by
May 24, 2005 12:54 PM
If there is any way that I could persuade you to provide me with a cipoy of Tom Brokaw's The Aron Ralston Story, I would. I am prepared to pay you. Please let me know.
Thanks lots!
Posted by
ShaynaMay 24, 2005 03:52 PM
I am interested in getting a copy of the Aron Rolston story "Trapped in a Canyon"
It was a very moving story of an amazing young man.
I want to show the story to my church community group.
How can I get a copy?
Posted by
AnneMay 24, 2005 11:45 PM
Yet another request for a copy!
Thank you.
Posted by
sherrinMay 31, 2005 03:02 AM
I am also interested in getting a copy of the TLC program. I even wrote to TLC, and they do not plan to sell copies and do not plan on showing the program again,
A copy would be fantastic,
Thanks!
Posted by
JinellJune 12, 2005 01:02 AM
Such a inspiration ! I am also interested in getting a copy of the TLC program for my children to watch. Would buy it!
Thank you to anyone that could help.
Posted by
ValJune 12, 2005 05:46 PM
I just saw the most recent air of the Dateline: Desperate Days in Blue John Canyon. I am so incredibly inspired. I need a copy of the video! I would love to buy one off of someone who is willing. Please, I really want a copy!
Posted by
SonyaJuly 2, 2005 01:29 AM
SORRY TO BOTHER.WOULD PAY ALMOST ANYTHING FOR A COPY,MY BROTHER FACED A SIMILAR ISSUE AND DIDNT GET TO SEE THE SHOW.HE CRIED WHEN HE HEARD AND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS RESCUED PRIOR TO THE ACT,HE STILL IS HAUNTED BY THE THOUGHT.THIS MEANS ALOT TO ME AND I WOULD PAY FOR JUST A RESPONSE FROM YOU.IT HAS BEEN MY MISSION FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS NOW TO GET A COPY OF EITHER SHOW.I FEEL A SENSE OF GUILT HAVING SEEN THE SHOW AND BEEN SO INSPIRED AND SOMEONE LIKE MY BROTHER WHO ACTUALLY LOST HIS HAND(HOSPITAL-SURGERY)WAS NEVER BLESSED WITH SEEING IT.ARON RALSTON IS A SAVIOR AND INSPIRATION TO US ALL AND COULD MAKE SOME MILLIONS ON VIDEOS ALONE.SORRY SO LONG,TY FOR YOUR TIME.
Posted by
RONJuly 17, 2005 02:23 AM
One more request for a copy of the Dateline special. I'm teaching a college compositioni course and it would be a great addition.
Posted by
JudyJuly 19, 2005 02:25 PM
to RON of July 17. I was interested in the particulars of your brother's accident. And I was going to send you a note, but your name doesn't re-direct to an email address!
Please send me an note if you see this.
Posted by
KalJuly 24, 2005 11:10 PM
Hi,
Any chance of my getting a copy to view and show my kids? 'Will reimburse costs.
Thanks for your trouble to reply yea or nea.
Posted by
johnAugust 2, 2005 11:24 PM
I've been trying to buy a copy but no luck. PLEASE contact me with details if you're willing to make a copy for me. Thanks SO MUCH, Maggie
Posted by
maggieAugust 8, 2005 11:00 AM
My husband and I were so inspsired by this program and would definitely like to buy a copy of this tape. Please contact me and let me know if this is possible. Thanks so much.
Posted by
Judy McIntireAugust 9, 2005 05:32 PM
I'm another teacher who would like to use the video in my classroom. Please let me know if you have copies available for purchase.
Posted by
KathyAugust 17, 2005 02:48 PM
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