If you want to know what it takes to “stay strong” keep reading�-� 

Today, Laura Mattox, a single mother with two children, will donate her left kidney to her 15-year-old son Michael Martin.

Martin, a sophomore at Patagonia Union High School, has a condition known as polycystic kidney disease.

The costly procedure, which will take place in Phoenix, calls for a recovery period of at least two months. During that time Mattox will be unable to work and her son will also have to live within two-and-a-half miles of a hospital.

In order to help defray the costs associated with these expenses, Cunningham’s Ranch House, 3250 Highway 82, in Sonoita, will be holding a fundraiser on Oct. 25 beginning at high noon. There is no charge for admission, but donations are strongly encouraged.

“All proceeds will go to Laura and Michael,” said Bob Cunningham who along with his family and other underwriters is organizing the event. “It’s a community effort to help our own in a very difficult time.”

In addition to the musical talents of Andy Hersey, Bruce Andre, Lazy Horse, and Dynamite Hicks, there will be a raffle with “hundreds of prizes” and auction featuring “auctioneer extraordinaire” Brent Bowdon.

Volunteers from Patagonia Fire and Rescue will be firing up the grill and serving up steaks, hamburgers, and the all-American hotdog. A cash bar will be on hand for those looking to wet their whistle.

For those who can’t make it to this important event - no worries. Donations can be made deposited at the National Bank of Arizona in Sonoita. Organizers have asked that checks be made out to “The Ranch House” and in the memo section they write “Michael.” If you’re headed by the Cunningham Ranch House at any other time, donations can be brought directly to the restaurant during regular business hours.

Martin, whose mantra over the course of his childhood has been to “stay strong” has also been selling t-shirts and donating the money to the National Kidney Foundation.

“That’s his way of giving back and helping people who don’t have a community like ours,” his mother said.

For more information contact Cunningham’s Ranch House at (520) 455-5371.