Home My Story
My Story  E-mail

Anne Hjelle 

 
 
As I look into my compact mirror hoping to see a familiar reflection, I am stunned when a stranger stares back at me. This is not the face I know so well. I am looking at the handiwork of a mountain lion; he ambushed me while I was biking in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park on January 8th, 2004. 
I remember everything about the attack: the color of the lion’s fur, the vice-like grip of his jaws on my face, and the moment he grabbed me by the front of the throat to cut off my air supply. My friend, Debi Nicholls, fought the lion in a brutal tug-of-war. With the help of several other mountain bikers—miraculously--we won the battle.  
 
 
My neck sustained almost forty deep bite wounds and my mangled face was pieced together using more than 200 stitches and staples. Through my emotional and physical recovery, I have learned valuable lessons. By telling my story, I hope others can reap the benefits of the challenges I have endured, without having to experience the pain. 
I have come to realize how a positive mindset has the ability to transform the harsh reality of daily life. Throughout my recovery, I waged a mental battle against negativity; I was determined to live my life as an example—as a warrior. Every person decides to focus on either the positive or negative in their lives. The perspective they embrace can affect the course of their life.  

With God’s help, I have learned to conquer fear in my life. Two weeks after the attack, I returned to the trail on which I was ambushed. As I walked, I chose to step to the front of the pack—determined to prove to myself that I was not held prisoner by the trauma I had suffered. Although my heart was racing, I gained emotional strength with each step. I knew that one day soon I would ride my mountain bike down Cactus Trail again. 


Cholla

 

 

 

Following the attack, strangers stared at my scars. Sure, I looked different than I used to, but I felt like the same person inside. I realized that I determined how others reacted to me. Even on days when I lacked self-confidence, I chose to put on a smile. I acted strong when I didn’t feel strong—and before long, I was strong!  

There are so many lessons I have learned over the years. I am determined to use what I have learned to grow as a person; I will not let this experience go to waste. Although I am still undergoing reconstructive surgeries, I have arrived at a place of peace. I still see the physical scars when I look in a mirror, but I am not the same person I was—I am an improved version! By bearing my soul, I will let others see my transformation--from a wounded victim to a conqueror!