Janet Rygnestad is a long time volunteer with Nanaimo Search and Rescue. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. (submitted/NSAR)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

returning help

Nanaimo Search and Rescue fundraising to help trailblazing volunteer

Jan 10, 2021 | 11:19 AM

NANAIMO — Nanaimo Search and Rescue have launched a fundraising campaign for one of their own.

Senior member Janet Rygnestad has volunteered with Nanaimo SAR since 2013. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Organization president Carly Trobridge told NanaimoNewsNOW Janet will start undergoing chemotherapy this month. Some, but not all, of the operation is covered by Rygnestad’s insurance coverage so the organization is stepping up to help.

“She’s kind, compassionate and caring and she would do anything for anybody in a second,” Trobridge said. “It’s our turn to repay that back to her.”

The goal of the “Rescue our Rescuer” campaign is to raise $20,000.

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“We’re hoping the community can rally behind this women that’s given herself pretty tirelessly to the entire Island through volunteering her service for a large portion of her life.”

Janet has become a trailblazer for women in the search and rescue field. She’s the first and only female hoist technician on the Island and is an avalanche dog handler.

“Janet’s attitude of going where maybe people don’t expect and doing things people say are hard is what stands out the most about her,” Trobridge said.

Donations to help support Janet can be made through the NSAR Facebook page.

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