I love Lucy

Well, I think I do. I haven't met her in real life yet.

But my sister is friends with baby Lucy's mom, Heather Kernan of Rock Island. So, I've heard a lot about her. I've listened to my sister cry and worry about Lucy, who was a few days shy of turning one month old when she suddenly got very sick.

On Aug. 22, Lucy was taken to the hospital because she didn't want to eat, and soon was flown to Peoria's OSF St. Francis Medical Center. She was diagnosed with meningitis. And then, little Lucy suffered a stroke.

"Her stroke has cost her her eyesight, and possibly given her cerebral palsy (we won't know for a few months)," her mother wrote to me in an e-mail. "Her glands aren't working right, and she has a rare form of diabetes. Her worst-case scenario, according to her doctors, could leave her only with the ability to eat and breath on her own."

A benefit fundraiser for Lucy and her family is set from 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Eagles Lodge, 4401 W. Locust St., Davenport.

The event - which includes food, a silent auction, bake sale, 50/50 raffle and music - is meant to raise money to help offset travel expenses for Lucy's numerous medical appointments in Peoria, and for developmental tools to help prevent delays.

We run information about lots of benefit events for very worthy people all the time, and they all touch my heart. But this little girl holds a special place in there, after listening to my sister talk about her family's plight for so many months.

So, if you have it in your heart to help Lucy, or just want more information, you can e-mail loveforlittlelucy@yahoo.com or call (563) 349-6889.