Readers Find Hope, Inspiration, and Even Humor, In Aftermath of Tragedy

Those dealing with the devastating affects of Katrina are experiencing stress at a whole new level. A timely new book, which demonstrates how one family overcame adversity, may prove helpful.

September 20, 2005 -- The world just witnessed an entire US city ravaged by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Many lost loved ones, jobs, and homes, causing great emotional pain. Those suffering have experienced feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger, and even thoughts of suicide ?- all symptoms of depression. Many may not realize they are experiencing depression or that depression is a treatable medical condition. In fact, depression affects 19 million Americans.

After losing a brother-in-law to suicide, Jeff Alt and his wife, Beth, decided to take a hike. They hiked the 218-mile John Muir Trail across California?s Sierra Nevada mountain range as a depression awareness campaign to spread the word that depression is treatable (most suicides are the result of untreated depression). Their story is recounted in Alt?s new book, "A Hike For Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness."

There is something to be said for strapping 50 pounds to one's back and trekking across some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the United States via the John Muir Trail. There is something even more to be said about convincing your wife ? one who prefers warm beds and hot showers ? to embark on such a rugged journey with you. Jeff Alt did both!    

Readers walk vicariously alongside Jeff and Beth, through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, ending high atop Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. There are encounters with bears, lightning bolts, fascinating people, and captivating scenery; and gradually, from the dark ashes of tragedy, a ray of light emerges. "A Hike For Mike" is a heartwarming, humbling, humorous, true-life adventure story personifying perseverance, and modeling ways to overcome adversity, and navigate the mountains and valleys of life.

Alt realized the natural healing that walking in the outdoors provides; not only from a physical perspective but from a mental perspective as well. Since John Muir himself was a huge proponent of escaping to the woods to rejuvenate, Alt thought walking the trail named in his honor was quite fitting.

Alt?s story is both entertaining and inspiring. In addition to sharing their adventure, facts about depression are found in the final chapter. A Hike For Mike also includes a chapter from Alt?s wife, Beth. ?Awareness is the first step of any healing journey,? Alt stresses. For more information about "A Hike For Mike" see: http://www.awalkforsunshine.com/AHikeForMike.htm

Jeff Alt excels at combining worthy causes with outdoor adventures. He walked the Appalachian Trail to raise money for a home for the disabled, inspiring an annual event that has raised more than $100,000 to date. This walk is featured in Alt?s award-winning book, A Walk for Sunshine, now in its fifth printing. Alt has been an expert hiking commentator for ESPN?s Inside America?s National Parks, and his adventures have been widely featured in media across the country. For more about Jeff Alt see: http://www.awalkforsunshine.com/jeffaltmedia.htm

A Hike For Mike will inspire those affected by the ravages of Hurricane Katrina and provide hope to the brighter times ahead. To find more information about depression see: http://hikeformike.com/Depression.html

"A Hike For Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness" by Jeff Alt, author of the award-winning "A Walk For Sunshine." Foreword by Jerry Reed, Executive Director, Suicide Prevention Action Network, ISBN: 0-9679482-1-5; $14.95
http://www.awalkforsunshine.com/AHikeForMike.htm

?...Skillfully and compassionately told...'A Hike For Mike'...serves as a message of hope and inspiration for those suffering from depression as well as for their families and friends...? ? Jerry Reed, Executive Director, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

?What happens when a marathon runner marries a hiker? In Jeff Alt?s case, you get what NBC might dub Xtreme Honeymoon?the couple walked some of the most?rugged trails in America?Along the way, they kept a travel log of their close calls with marauding bears, lightening bolts, and other hikers." ? Cincinnati Magazine

"...His descriptions capture the magnificence of the varying vistas, the travails of the trail, and the camaraderie of hiking?Alt's conversational writing style makes one feel like a participant rather than an observer..." ? Library Journal

A Hike For Mike placed as an award-winning finalist in the USA Book News ?Best Books 2005? Awards. http://usabooknews.com/pages/12/index.htm

On September 10th, Jeff Alt announced his new book to America, by leading a Hike to Capitol Hill, where he was joined by more than 100 walkers. Dianna Baitinger, Miss Connecticut 2005, and Senator Gordon Smith (Oregon) joined Alt at the Capitol where they each spoke about the need for increased mental health services. Jeff Alt is planning a 10 city book tour.

To request a review copy of "A Hike For Mike," arrange an interview with Jeff Alt, or any additional information, please contact: Kate Bandos, 800-304-3269, Fax: 616-676-0759.

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