Park ranger living example of courage in facing breast cancer

En route to her first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Las Vegas in May 2002, Mary Hinson stressed to her teammates that early detection of breast cancer could save their lives.

"I was talking to everyone in the car about how important it was to do breast self-examinations and mammograms, that it didn't just affect old ladies," Hinson said.

Her words proved to be prophetic. Six months later, at age 37, Hinson was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"One of the ladies I was running with sent me a message that said I would do anything to prove a point," joked Hinson, the chief park ranger at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. "I always like to tell that story, because humor, for me, is something that has helped me get through all of it."

Sports also helped carry Hinson through a grueling yearlong process of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

A former high school soccer and softball player in her native Sacramento, Calif., Hinson, 46, is an advanced technical rock climber and avid hiker, biker, runner and walker.

"At the time I was diagnosed, I was in very good shape and very athletic," the 18-year national park ranger said. "That really helped me to put everything into perspective -- (that) I'm not sick, I have a lump inside of me that needs to be removed, and I'm going to be fine."

During a break between the extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments she underwent following her lumpectomy, Hinson found the strength to finish her second straight Race for the Cure in May 2003.

"It was very emotional, but it was great," said Hinson, a breast cancer survivor of nine years.

The married mother of two has continued to compete in the 5-kilometer event each year and is training for her ninth Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk.

As captain of the Dam Walkers, who are named for Hoover Dam, Hinson will lead a team of 12 through what promises to be an emotional 60-mile trek in Phoenix in November.

Hinson, who recently participated in the 9/11 Remembrance Run in Las Vegas, will walk alongside her sister-in-law in honor of her late brother-in-law, Len Dems, who died of cancer in December.

Hinson's oncologist, Mary Ann Allison, M.D., also will take part in the event, as will a close friend and co-worker of Hinson's who was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer last year.

Long before Hinson was diagnosed with breast cancer, she dealt with recurring cysts in her breasts that required her to undergo multiple surgeries between the ages of 18 and 21.

"They were all benign, but that taught me to be very conscientious about checking all the time," she said.

When she discovered a similar lump at 37, Hinson and her family had hoped it was the same condition. But a subsequent biopsy confirmed their worst fears.

While Hinson said she was blessed with a strong support system, she credits a visit from breast cancer survivor Katrina Pies -- a volunteer with the local Susan G. Komen chapter -- with restoring her faith.

"I knew as soon as I met her that I was going to be OK," she said. "She's my angel."

Hinson, who has lived and worked in Boulder City since 2001, helps counsel others with the dreaded disease.

"Early detection is critical and, for me, being very aggressive with your treatment," she said.

Staying healthy and fit can't hurt, either. Hinson, who also has worked as a ranger at Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Hawaii Volcanoes national parks, walks and/or runs up to 25 miles per week, mostly in the vast Lake Mead NRA. Her favorite trek is the historic railroad tunnel trail that leads to Hoover Dam.

"Anything outdoors, I enjoy very much," she said. "I made it a point to stay healthy as best I can so that I feel good.

"There are so many psychological and medical benefits to just getting out and moving at least 30 minutes a day."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.