Gary Kuebler and his family gather to support him in efforts to find a kidney donor. Left to right, Andy Berg, Scott Salfer, Abby Salfer, Robin Hennen, Sarah Allen, Ethan Weisbrich, Jess Weisbrich, Peyton Weisbrich, Pat Berg, Gary Kuebler, Brennon Helget, Renae Berg, Heidi Linsmeier, Tianna Fulton, Rita Hertling, Rose Mangen, Glen Kuebler and Sandy Heibult. Staff photo by Clay Schuldt

SLEEPY EYE — A benefit and pancake breakfast was held for Gary Kuebler Sunday at the St. Mary’s Church social room. Over 300 people attended within the first hour.

Kuebler is in need of a kidney transplant, and the breakfast served to raise awareness for possible donors.

Kuebler served in the Minnesota National Guard for 28 years before retiring in 2009. After his returned, it was determined he had kidney failure due to dehydration and chemical exposure.

For the last six years he has received dialysis treatments three days a week.

The treatments are done in New Ulm, which requires Kuebler to travel from Sleepy Eye three times a week. The individual treatment process lasts around four and a half hours.

“I am pretty drained out after,” Kuebler said. “You can’t do much else after.”

For the last four years, he has been on the donors list. Many have tried to donate a kidney, but Kuebler has a higher level of antibodies, which makes finding a match difficult.

The pancake breakfast was held to raise awareness for Kuebler’s condition to find a willing donor. His medical care is mostly covered by his military insurance. A portion of the proceeds from the breakfast will go to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Wounded Warrior Project.

“They can use it more than I can,” Kuebler said.

Kuebler’s daughter Jessica Weisbrich said there is an email sent up for those considering donating: kidneyforkuebler@gmail.com.

The donation is through the Iowa VA transplant center. Individuals willing to donate will need to contact the transplant center staff to conduct a medical screening.

The kidney is the most common organ donated by a living person. In order to be considered for donation, an individual must be healthy with no chronic disease or conditions and have O positive or O negative blood.