Jackie Lehto Will Share Her Inspiring Story Thursday, August 11, in Hancock

HANCOCK, MI - In an undertaking she calls "Hope After Hurt," between August 1 and August 18, 2011, Jacqueline Lehto is bicycling 800 miles around Michigan's Upper Peninsula to raise awareness for the fight against sexual assault and domestic violence.

At two presentations in Hancock this Thursday, August 11, Lehto will share her own story of overcoming devastating abuse as both a child and as an adult. The first presentation is at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The second is at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Listeners of all ages will be inspired by Jacqueline's story of courage, determination, and resilience in the face of great obstacles.

The presentations are free and open to the public and attendees are invited to wear the colors of purple, teal, and/or turquoise. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home for Abused Women of Calumet, Mich.

Jacqueline Lehto has a master's degree in education and has been a teacher of family and consumer science since 1996. During 2004-2005, she completed one year of congregational care and leadership studies at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., which included a one-month mission trip to China.

Lehto is also a wife, mother, and grandmother of five. She enjoys quilting, piano, downhill and cross-country skiing, motorcycling, and exploring Upper Peninsula waterfalls. During the summer of 2004, she pedaled her bicycle 2,000 miles across Mid-America to share her story.

Lehto frequently speaks to women's and men's groups and social service groups and agencies, and at conferences, domestic abuse shelters, junior and senior high schools.

On this summer's bicycle tour, Lehto has already visited Florence, Wis., and Escanaba, Manistique, Naubinway, St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, Newberry, Munising, Marquette, and L'Anse, Mich. Following her appearance in Hancock, she will continue her bicycle tour, speaking in Ontonagon, Bessemer, Watersmeet, Bruce Crossing, Iron River, Crystal Falls, and Iron Mountain, Mich.

For additional information, visit Lehto's website at www.hopeafterhurt.com.