A Vaughn man suffering from kidney disease is waiting for a transplant. Yet a large portion of his medical expenses are uninsured. So now the community is coming forward to help out a friend.

Since being diagnosed with kidney disease, 46-year-old Doug Tribby's life has been challenging.

"The kidney slowly started getting worse," said Tribby. "Then I had a heart attack. That caused my kidneys to fail."

Doug is on the transplant list and hopes to get a kidney. His family and friends set-up a benefit dinner and auction at the Knight's of Columbus hall in Great Falls.

"He gets sick after dialysis and can't do much of anything," said sister-in-law Lindie Tribby.

With soaring medical costs, especially those that insurance doesn't cover, Doug is grateful that friends and family have come to his aid.

"You don't appreciate your family until they come through for you like this. I just hope people with the same problem get the kind of treatment as I have received."

Doug's daughter Sierra also suffers from the same kidney disorder. Luckily, she has not developed complications and lives a normal life. She hopes her dad receives a kidney, which could save his life.

Donations can be made by sending checks to:
Doug Tribby Benefit
First National Bank of Fairfield
PO Box 39
Vaughn, MT 59487