The Working Mom by Kay LunaI love Lucy
Monday, November 2nd, 2009 12:00 pmWell, 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.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Our prayers will be with Lucy and her family.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I was expecting something about the old tv show.
The human brain is an amazing thing, and after a stroke sometimes other parts of the brain can be re-trained and will even take over for the parts that were affected. I’m not a doctor and I’m not claiming to be by any means, but since she is so small, perhaps she will be able to recover. I will keep Lucy and her family in my prayers. As a mother myself I cannot imagine what they are going through.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
We’re still praying for you guy, Heather!
November 18th, 2009 at 6:38 am
are there any updates on Lucy?
November 19th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Hi, Monica. Thanks for asking. I hear things are still the same for Lucy and her family. I’m looking forward to meeting them in real life at the benefit.