LEWISTON — Friends, relatives and coworkers of a local woman, Diane (Martin) Barrell, will host a benefit dinner/dance on Friday March 29, at the Carriage House.

Diane recently lost her battle for life while awaiting a double-lung transplant. The proceeds will assist her family with her uncovered medical expenses.

Diane (Martin) Barrell, 47, grew up in Lewiston, graduated from Lewiston High School, married and resided in Auburn with her husband, son, 11, and daughter, 15. Several years ago she was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a condition that affected her lungs. More recently she was diagnosed with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), a rare form of pulmonary hypertension.

Diane was forced to stop working at Reeder Chiropractic after she became oxygen dependent and debilitated. She experienced many hospitalizations and frequently traveled to Portland, Boston, and most recently to Pittsburgh for treatment and in the hope of a double lung transplant. Her quest ended at Massachusetts General Hospital on March 5.

The group hosting the event is named ‘Live~Laugh~Love for Diane’ (LLL4Diane). The dinner/dance is open to all. There will be a social hour, spaghetti dinner, DJ, dancing, raffles, silent auction and 50/50. Tickets are available at Reeder Chiropractic, 625 Main St., 784-7164, or from Kevin Simoneau, 576-6004, Robin Simoneau, 576-1217, or Bill Heywood, 756-9211.

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