Diane's Ray Of Hope

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 03:50 AM

Prince George, B.C. - Friends and family of Diane Boudreau banded together because they wanted to support the local woman's wish to remain at home through her battle with the deadly disease, ALS...

Within one month of establishing a trust fund to help realize her dream, Diane passed away suddenly. She died this past December at the young age of 55...she had been diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, less than three years earlier.

In her honour, and to help others who are suffering from this debilitating disease, Diane's Ray of Hope Memorial Dinner and Dance will take place on Saturday, February 27th at the Coast Inn of the North. The ALS Society will receive 70-percent of the proceeds from the event and the New Life Centre will receive 30-percent. Both were charities close to Diane's heart.

Her brother, Dan Boudreau, is the chair of the fundraising committee. He says, "It was difficult for us to carry on with the fundraiser following Diane's death, but we believe it was the right decision, and it really helps to know that we will be helping others with this terrible disease."

ALS is a rapidly progressive neuro-muscular disease that attacks the nerves the body would normally use to send messages from the brain to the muscle, resulting in weakness and wasting. Diane went from a vibrant woman who was an accomplished bookkeeper and passionate volunteer, to being very quickly incapacitated and reliant on costly mechanical devices, as well as the efforts of family and friends, by last October.

Wendy Toyer, Executive Director for the ALS Society, says, "I am so pleased the committee has decided to follow through with this important cause and hope to see a great turn-out from the community for the event."

Local MLAs Pat Bell and Shirley Bond will lead a live auction of a custom made jewellery piece created by Darrell of Hubbell's Custom Goldsmiths at the fundraiser.

Dan says, "Diane would have wanted us to do this."

Tickets are available at Ave Maria, B&B Music, the Coast Inn of the North, and PHazez Hair Design. They must be purchased beforehand, as they won't be available at the door.

For more information, you can contact Maxine Koppe at 250-441-3452 or Jen Higham at 250-613-7207 or email dianesrayofhope@live.ca To view the silent auction items, you can visit the Diane's Ray of Hope website at www.dianesrayofhope.ca)

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