By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Communities in Stafford County and beyond are coming together to help one of their own. Sheriff Robert Murrow underwent a liver transplant on Aug. 20. Jessica Bates, a longtime family friend of Robert and his wife, Linda, said a fundraiser is planned for Sunday, Sept. 22 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Macksville Grade School cafeteria, 433. N Gilmore.
"He's been very sick for several months and has been on a waiting list for a liver transplant," Bates said. "They did finally find a donor. They did the transplant a couple of weeks ago. He's been having some setbacks."
On Sept. 1, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office Facebook page reported that Murrow had experienced a high white blood cell count, dropping blood pressure, and fluid buildup. A kink in the duct between the liver and pancreas was repaired with a stent. The fundraiser will provide some relief to the Murrows as they move forward.
"It's something we're looking outside of the community because they're very well known throughout the county and neighboring counties," said Bates. "They have friends and family in neighboring counties. He's important to a lot of people."
The menu for the fundraiser includes pulled pork roast or fried chicken with scalloped potatoes, green beans, baked beans, rolls, and a dessert. Pastor Jacob Russell with Macksville Christian Church is helping coordinate a silent auction. Anyone who would like to donate an item to the auction or donate directly to the fundraiser, may contact Russell at (620) 377-7122, Bates at (620) 320-5462, or Mary Bates at (620) 377-7014. An account will be set up at SJN Bank of Kansas in Macksville to benefit Murrow.