Area residents are invited to support a veteran in need.

The Sixth Annual John Hettler Liver Transport Fundraiser began Friday and continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday at 533 Spruce St., Lehighton, near Walkers Tree Farm.

During the event, attendees can browse nearly 40 different local vendor and crafter tents, take part in a large basket raffle of 180 prizes, enjoy tacos from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary, as well as food from Tripp’s BBQ, listen to music provided by DJ VAPE Styles and simply enjoy the day with friends and family.

The proceeds from the event will go toward a worthy cause: John Hettler’s Liver Fund.

Hettler, an army veteran, was originally diagnosed with liver disease in 2014 followed by a Gulf War illness diagnosis in 2018. Over the past seven years, he has been searching for a live liver donor to save his life.

Throughout the years of searching for a donor, Hettler has undergone many hardships including painful clubbed fingers and toes, declines in brain function due to toxins in his bloodstream and a multitude of other issues impacting his pancreas, spleen, kidneys, stomach and vision.

Hettler explained that his feet had been the worst part of his illness and that it was often hard and painful for him to walk. His wife, Mel Hettler, said that watching his brain function decline had been hard to see as well. She noted her husband struggled with holding conversations, getting tongue tied and spacing out during the day.

Donor qualifications include having O positive blood, being 60 years of age or younger and having generally good health. Over the years, four people have tried to donate, but ultimately could not due to their own health issues.

The procedure would only require one-third of the donor’s liver and it would grow back to its normal size within three months. Within a year, Hettler would also have a full size and functioning liver. Recovery time for the donor would be five to six weeks.

Hettler currently does water therapy, which has helped him to walk with less pain in his legs and feet.

“Ever since I’ve been going to therapy, my legs aren’t as swollen as they were before,” he said.

He also goes to countless doctors appointments, many of which are in Philadelphia. Mel Hettler said they had gone to the doctor 18 times in August.

There are many expenses with the cost of gas to drive to appointments, parking fees in Philadelphia, and the amount of medical bills and pharmaceutical costs. When a donor is found, there would also be costs associated with staying at Gift of Life Family House in Philadelphia during Hettler’s and his donor’s recovery.

Hettler is not the only one in need of a transplant either. Five other members of his former regiment have also struggled to find a donor or are currently searching for one as well. Mel Hettler said if people were unable to donate to her husband, they could also look into donating to others in need.

“One guy got a liver two years ago, three are waiting for kidneys and one other is waiting for a liver. There’s a lot of people out there who need help,” Hettler said.

Amanda Stahley of Lehighton attended Friday and bought tickets for the basket raffle, jam from the Tastefully Simple vendor and products from the Norwex stand.

“It’s important to support everyone who needs help,” Stahley said. “Everyone should come out and support them.”

Mel Hettler thanked the event’s sponsors Dr. Rosalee Rehrig (Hettler’s family doctor) and Carbon Foot and Ankle Center. “Come out and have a good time, start your early Christmas shopping and support a good cause.”

For more information on the Hettlers’ story, see John Hettler’s Live Liver Donor Transplant Search/Fundraiser page on Facebook.