Breadsmith Raising Money For Employee's Kidney Transplant

A Sioux Falls bread store is baking up a fundraiser to help a long-time employee pay for uninsured costs related to a kidney transplant.

Breadsmith is donating a portion of its proceeds April 29 and 30 to help.

Customers at Breadsmith would never know by Will Hartz's smiling face that he struggles with end-stage kidney disease.

Last year, the single father of two learned that his kidneys function at less than ten percent, requiring him to undergo dialysis four times a day.

"It's definitely an impact. I have to plan my day how I am doing things because I have to get back and make sure I do my exchanges," Hartz said.

Hartz has been waiting for a kidney transplant since 2014 and needs roughly $15,000 to pay for medical expenses not covered by his insurance.

"There are a lot of very expensive immune suppressants and other medicines that are required after the transplant. That is actually the number one reason why people will have a hard time getting a transplant is because of financial reasons," Hartz said.

Next Wednesday and Thursday, 18 percent of every purchase made at Breadsmith's two Sioux Falls locations will help Hartz.

"He is quite honestly, the most genuine, nicest guy," Susie Patrick said, Breadsmith owner. "He's just a nice guy." Owner Susie Patrick says employees opted to do the fundraiser to help their coworker. All proceeds will be submitted to the non-profit HelpHOPELive to be used when Hartz receives his transplant.

"I think if we could hit the $500 mark, we would be really happy. I am hopeful we can exceed that," Patrick said And while Hartz says he'd rather help someone else, he's thankful for all the support he can get.

"It's humbling and it's definitely a rise in the spirit," Hartz said.

Donations can be made to a fundraising campaign in honor of Hartz at helphopelive.org or by calling 800-642-8399.

Checks can also be mailed "in honor of Will Hartz" to HelpHOPELive: 2 Radnor Corporate Ctr., Suite 100, 100 Matsonford Road, Radnor, Pa. 19087.

Donations are tax deductible and all funds raised will directly benefit Hartz's medical expenses through HelpHOPELive's North Central Kidney Transplant Fund.

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