Benefit concert to help Irwin girl fighting cancer

A benefit concert and raffle for the families of a 3-year-old Irwin girl battling leukemia and a 13-year-old Liberty Borough boy being treated for cancer is planned for April 27.

Conrad’s Concert 8 will be held 7 p.m. to midnight at Zander’s Sports Bar/Palmieri’s Restaurant, 951 Old Frankstown Road, Plum.

Chris Guenzel of North Huntingdon has organized the fundraiser for Gracie Gorman, daughter of Maria and Preston Gorman of Irwin, and Tony Cook, son of Diana and Bilal Cook of Liberty Borough. Tony has battled neurofibromatosis for most of his life and recently was diagnosed with intestinal cancer.

This is the eighth concert Guenzel has organized in the memory of his brother Conrad Guentzel, a Monroeville native who died of cancer in 2010 at the age of 44.

He said he decided to raise money in the battle against cancer by sponsoring concerts because “my brother and I shared a love of music.”

Guenzel became aware of Gracie Gorman last year and was referred to Tony Cook by another family.

Originally, proceeds from concerts were donated to the American Cancer Society for the hospital affiliated with Yale University, where his brother was treated but then he decided the proceeds should be used to help local families.

Guenzel said his wife, Shannon, plays a “huge role” in the event, coordinating the raffle prizes that include a weekend trip to Cleveland with tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, gift cards for the Hard Rock Cafe, and hotel accommodations.

“This concert gets bigger every year,” Guenzel said.

The performers for the April 27 event will be Knuckle Monster, an area rock band, and Michael Todd, an acoustic rocker, who will be joined by the music of Deejay Bill Ballas.

Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 at a gofundme.com — Conrad’s Concert 8, or by visiting www.knucklemonster.com.

Information also is available at the Facebook Event page by searching Conrad’s Concert 8.