11:42 a.m.: Ex-'Idol' singer hosts fund raiser

The Associated Press

July 25, 2008 11:42 am

— CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — Luke Menard, a former “American Idol” contestant who’s battling cancer, will hold a concert to raise money for his medical bills and other expenses.
The 29-year-old Crawfordsville native made it to the top 16 on “American Idol.” He was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma soon after his March 6 elimination from the show. Doctors found a tumor in his chest.
Menard will perform at a sold-out concert Saturday at Crawfordsville High School’s auditorium, which seats 800. Money from the benefit will go to Menard and his wife to use for medical bills and other expenses.
Menard’s mother says her son has undergone chemotherapy to fight the cancer, which attacks the lymph nodes.