Everest Rescuer Honored in Nepal

A Canadian woman credited with helping to save an ailing fellow climber on Mount Everest was honored Monday, June 4, by Nepal's mountaineering community.

Meagan McGrath, 29, of Sudbury, Ontario, was recognized for saving Usha Bista, a female climber from Nepal who had fallen sick on the way to the summit on May 21.

McGrath, an aerospace engineer with the Canadian Air Force, was coming down after scaling the 29,035-foot mountain when she encountered Bista, who was suffering from cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain, which can be fatal if left untreated at a high altitude.

On Monday in Katmandu, the Nepal Mountaineering Association honored McGrath, who was given bouquets and yellow scarfs used for special occasions.

McGrath said she thought Bista was going to die when she found her barely conscious and leaning on the snowy slopes at an altitude of about 27,225 feet.

McGrath was the first to come across Bista and was then joined by a Western man and his Sherpa guide. They called other climbers for help.

''I am glad I was the one person who started the chain I suppose, but I am glad someone jumped in,'' McGrath said.

On Sunday, Bista, who is being treated for frostbite, said she was grateful to her rescuers.

''I can't believe the love and concern they showed to rescue me in spite of such a difficult situation,'' Bista said.

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