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 ofRock Island. So, I’ve heard a lot about her. I’ve listened to mysister cry and worry about Lucy, who was a few days shy of turningone month old when she suddenly got very sick.

On Aug. 22, Lucy was taken to the hospital because she didn’twant to eat, and soon was flown to Peoria’s OSF St. Francis MedicalCenter. She was diagnosed with meningitis. And then, little Lucysuffered a stroke.

“Her stroke has cost her her eyesight, and possibly given hercerebral palsy (we won’t know for a few months),” her mother wroteto me in an e-mail. “Her glands aren’t working right, and she has arare form of diabetes. Her worst-case scenario, according to herdoctors, could leave her only with the ability to eat and breath onher own.”

A benefit fundraiser for Lucy and her family is set from 4-10p.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 offsettravel 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 worthypeople all the time, and they all touch my heart. But this littlegirl holds a special place in there, after listening to my sistertalk about her family’s plight for so many months.

So, if you have it in your heart to help Lucy, or just want moreinformation, you can e-mail [email protected] or call(563) 349-6889.