With the raise of every paddle last Saturday, you saw a pig become much more than that to Mason Vertz and the Kewaunee County community.

For years, Vertz has battled seizures due to epilepsy, which is caused by brain disorders, genetic conditions, and other factors. When it was determined that his medication would no longer be able to control his seizures, Vertz underwent brain resection surgery at Children’s Hospital Wisconsin in Milwaukee to try to control them for good.

Meanwhile, Vertz was trying to prepare his hogs and chickens for last week’s Kewaunee County Fair. His family stepped in as he recovered in Milwaukee. After his experience at Children’s Hospital Wisconsin, he knew he had to give back somehow. With his parent's approval, he decided that if he were lucky enough to enter a hog in the Saturday afternoon auction, all the money would go towards the place that gave him a new lease on life.

It would take nearly three minutes to announce the two dozen businesses and individuals who would help Vertz raise $12,000 for Children’s Hospital Wisconsin. Vertz says it was an emotional moment when he realized the lives he could touch thanks to the generosity of the entire community.

Every year, dozens of businesses and individuals participate in the Kewaunee County Animal Sale and next month’s Door County Quality Market Animal Sale to reward exhibitors for their hard work and dedication.

Mason's dad, Isaac, contributed to the interview.

Picture from Beckie Vertz