Douglas County 911 Dispatcher Kristin Oilar, left, is facing treatment for pancreatic cancer. Her best friend and 911 Dispatcher Melissa Johnson started a GoFundMe account to help.
A fundraising event supporting 911 Dispatcher Kristin Oilar is 5:30 p.m. Friday at Big Daddy’s Bike and Brew in Gardnerville.
East Fork Professional Firefighters, Local 3726, and Carson Valley businesses are raising money for Oilar, as she receives treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Oilar received her diagnosis on Feb. 9.
“Staring down months of brutal treatment and recovery and taking an extended leave from work, she has begun the two to three months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, which lies near a main artery,” supporters said. “After the treatments, she will undergo a surgery to remove the tumor.”
The Gardnerville fundraiser will feature a silent auction to help while Oilar goes through treatments. Funds will be raised from a Stuff the Boot, beer proceeds, silent auction items from local businesses and food sales from Chicago Mike’s, who will be selling personal pizzas, pepperoni and cheese options. Food sales are cash only.
“Our community has really stepped up to help us raise more funds for Kristin,” said Kevin May, firefighter/advanced EMT for East Fork Fire Protection District and vice president of the East Fork Professional Firefighters Association, Local 3726. “Jesse Katsaris, owner of Northern Nevada Internet Services, has pledged to match Stuff the Boot donations up to $1,500, which is so incredibly generous.”
Business owners have also stepped in to donated raffle and silent auction items for the fundraiser, including half a cow from rancher Nate Leising, a custom corn hole set from Battle Born Woodworking, a gift basket from DTS coffee, a round of golf from Carson Valley Golf Course, a Yeti cooler donated by Firefighters First Credit Union, wine and liquor package from Battle Born Wine, a barbecue dinner for up to 15 people donated by retired East Fork Battalion Chief Scott Fraser, a four-course meal for 8-10 people at the local firehouse and more.
When the association heard of Oilar’s situation, the members felt compelled to help, said May.
“Kristin and all of the 911 dispatchers are there every day, every week, every year supporting our community,” he said. “It’s not often one of our own needs the community’s support in return. We urge everyone to stop by and help Kristin however they can, whether it’s a donation in the boot, bidding on an item, or buying beer and pizza”
For more information about this event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/441872740450422/.
