Kandi Marino needs a kidney transplant. They need $10,000 down before they even put her on the list., and she’ll need more after the surgery.

Kandi has lived in Big Sandy for 36 years, and she calls it her hometown. She’s seen how people treat each other. “We are family here. That’s how people act. I’ve seen it for 36 years. My kids told me it was time I allowed the family to help support me.”

She knows this community is all about caring, but her son said she wouldn’t just have a benefit. She wanted to serve the community. “I get all embarrassed about asking people to help me.” Kandi didn’t want to take people’s money. She wanted to earn it. She wanted to give the community something. So the plan is to have a Thai Cuisine night. It will be an event! There will be hors d’oeuvres, dessert, at least three main dishes using beef, pork, and chicken on October 9th.

The October 9th Thai event will be held at The Bakery with at least three sessions from 5:00 till 6:00, and another between 6:00-7:00, 7:00-8:00, and 8:00-9:00 if necessary. There are only eight tables, so you can buy the table and eat like royalty and experience the Thai Event, or the food may be purchase for taking out; however, you’ll miss the wonderful experience.

Diabetes is the reason Kandi’s kidneys have failed. She takes insulin three times a day. Normal kidney function runs around 80-90, but Kandi’s kidney three years ago was an 8. Even after three years of working on getting her kidneys to function better, they have only moved up to a 12, three points higher. Kandy has Blue Cross Blue Shield, but they won’t pay for a transplant.

Putting on the Thai Cuisine is expensive, and Billy said people are already volunteering food to help defray the cost.

Mary Merrill said, “Nathan and I have always loved Kandi’s Thai food. Her smile and happy personality have been a bright spot for me since I moved here 12 years ago, so it was a no-brainer when Billy approached us about hosting a fundraiser for Kandi. I love how this town rallies around people that need help, and we are excited to go whatever we can. Plus, we get to eat her food. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try her Thai cooking yet and you want to support her, this is a wonderful chance to do both!”

Call The Bakery, Mary Merrill, at 399-0996 to reserve tables, and a time you would like to be there. Call Billy Pierce, Kandi’s son, at 406-580-7276 for any questions or if you would like to donate and can not be at the Thai Cuisine Evening Event. There will also be raffles available, so if you have an item you will contribute to the raffle, please let Billy know.

Kandi said, “I’m grateful people care. This community is all about caring!” Watch for more information as it comes available.