Scott Hunter benefit Nov. 8 at Elmwood Rod and Gun

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SPRING VALLEY — A benefit is planned for a Spring Valley man who has long had diabetes and is now seeking a pancreas transplant.

The benefit will be held this Saturday starting at 2 p.m. at the Elmwood Rod and Gun Club for Scott Hunter, 41. Hunter’s pancreas doesn’t work, his wife Angie said Thursday.

“We’re waiting for that phone call,” Mrs. Hunter said, adding if they get it, they’ll have two hours to get to the University of Minnesota.

Her husband has been battling with diabetes for 39 years. She said he still takes insulin shots for his type 1 diabetes. In late July, doctors recommended he have a transplant and plans for the benefit began.

Presently, Hunter is feeling “pretty good,” his wife said. If a pancreas is found, doctors expect him to be hospitalized for three weeks, then out-of-work for three months. He’s been employed at O’Keefe, Inc., a manufacturer of architectural woodworking in River Falls, for seven years.

His employer has been supportive of his situation, she said, and friends and family have worked to organize Saturday’s event.

“We have gotten quite a bit of stuff,” she said about gift certificates or other items already received for a silent auction, part of the activities.

More items are welcome, she said. There will also be games, dinner and music.

The fundraising efforts rely strictly on the generosity of donations and no one is being monetarily rewarded for his or her time, according to information distributed about the benefit. All proceeds will go into an account set up through the Associated Bank (Baldwin branch). Cash donations are appreciated and can be sent directly to the bank, 1660 11th Ave., Baldwin 54002. Those unable to attend the benefit are also encouraged to help by making such a donation.

The couple has two sons: Tyler, age 14, and Tucker, nine. Like his father, Tucker has type 1 diabetes, his mother said.

Tags: community, bene it, scott, hunter