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John Eddie to headline CF benefit

By Debbie Gardner

PRIME Editor



SPRINGFIELD Cheryl Dougherty knows first-hand the struggle cystic fibrosis sufferers endure.

Her daughter, Christine Weckerly Dougherty, lost her life-long battle with the disease two years ago at the age of 28.

She was diagnosed with the breath-robbing disease at a mere five months of age.

On Oct. 28, Dougherty will host a fund-raiser in her daughter's memory to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

"We're calling it 'Rockin' the Cure,'" Dougherty told Reminder Publications in a telephone interview about the upcoming event. "I just feel that there's not enough awareness [of this disease]. I want to help find better medicines ...I really want to find a cure."

The Friday night concert will take place at the Waterfront Tavern, 920 Main St in Holyoke. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

The evening's headliner, John Eddie, takes the stage at 9 p.m.

A singer-songwriter who's shared the stage with fan "The Boss' Bruce Springsteen, the Virginia-born Eddie's latest CD, "Who the Hell is John Eddie" chronicling his career on the road is now available online and at area music stores.

"It's country rock," Dougherty said of Eddie's style. "He's pretty well known in the area."

Tickets, available before the event or at the door, are $25. Call 589-7874 for advance purchase. Checks should be made payable to the Cystic Fybrosis Foundation Benefit and mailed to: Cheryl Dougherty, 1740 Parker St., Springfield, MA 01028.

For more information about the fund-raiser, e-mail bonnietwining@aol.com.

"We hope we'll have a good turnout in her memory," Dougherty said. "We just want to help other children so they don't have to suffer."