One year later: Wilderness survivor Mischelle Hileman thankful to be alive

A year after surviving a week in a deep canyon, Mischelle Hileman is upbeat and positive about her life. "I never take a day for granted," she says. Photo by Elane Dickenson

Thanksgiving is more than just a word or a holiday for Mischelle Hileman and her family. Mischelle and her parents, Jan and Benny Hileman, who all live in rural Lostine, weren't sure last week if they'll be eating turkey or pizza on Thanksgiving Day, but they did know they would be together and it wouldn't be in a hospital.

"Last year they chopped my legs off on Thanksgiving eve," said Mischelle, not a person to mince words or evade the truth.

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