At the Woman of the Year ceremonies at the State Capitol, Nell Hamm was called a hero—a title she downplays…

  “Jim’s life was in jeopardy so we both fought for his life, and I would think anyone would have done the same…”
 
In January the couple was hiking in a state park in Humboldt County when her husband was attacked.  Nell Hamm used a stick and even a ballpoint pen to fight off the mountain lion—who had her husband’s head in its mouth.

She says her husband is recovering at home now and hopes they can eventually resume their hikes—she says he is walking a bit. Hamm had a word of advice for other hikers… 

 “Go with a buddy, always be together and listen to what the rangers have to say.”

Hamm noted the outpouring of support that has come from all over the world for Jim’s recovery—particularly from schoolchildren.

*Women chosen from each of the Assembly and Senate districts are honored in the annual ceremony.  Nell Hamm was selected by Assemblywoman Patty Berg from Humboldt County.