Community Corner
Concert at Ed & Joes Will Raise Money for Southland Family of Young Cancer Victim
Organizers of a musical benefit Saturday hope for a strong turnout to help Ellie Cuiching.
Cancer has robbed 6-year-old Lemont resident Ellie Cuiching of much of her hair, her energy and the ability to go outdoors.
And her story continues to touch hearts in the Southland community.
Among those moved by her plight are , owners of at 173rd Place and Oak Park Avenue in , along with the musicians of the folk group, Stillgrass.
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The band and restaurant are joining forces Saturday for a fundraiser from 8:30 p.m. until midnight, and are hoping for a strong turnout, said Kevin Kincaid, Stillgrass vocalist and acoustic guitar player.
“There’s something about people who listen to live music, they tend to be the people who rally behind these type of causes,” he said.
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The Kincaids learned about the Cuiching family’s need through friend Barry Chiagouris, Ellie’s great-uncle.
“Barry had written a song so people could download it and they could pay whatever they thought appropriate,” recalled his wife and the band's violinist, Annie Kincaid.
They said turning Saturday's show into a benefit felt only right.
The couple said they were moved by the details of Ellie’s medical struggle and the financial challenges her father, Dave, and mother, Kyle have faced.
“Ellie has a tumor that was attached to her brain stem, so they couldn’t completely remove it,” said Annie Kincaid. “She has been really depressed. And Kyle was just diagnosed with (multiplesclerosis)”
However, area charities recently buoyed the family’s spirits by donating a trip to a water park, and Saturday’s fundraiser will help pay Ellie’s medical bills, said Annie Kincaid.
Michael Clark looks at the event as both a personal and business commitment.
“I personally don’t know the family, but it’s a very touching story,” he said. “I have a granddaughter that’s 7 years old, and you feel for people.”
Clark explained that everyone will have an opportunity to buy $20 restaurant gift cards, with $4 going toward “The Ellie Fund.” The cards can be used toward the meal Saturday or saved for another occasion, he said.
Ellen Clark said there will also be a raffle of a gift-basket filled with Ed & Joe’s restaurant wineglasses, T-shirts and other theme items. For more information about the benefit, call the restaurant at 708-532-3051.
