April 15 benefit to help Owego native with lung cancer

A benefit for Diane Hines, who is undergoing extensive treatments for stage four small cell lung cancer, is planned for Saturday, April 15 from to 6 p.m. at the Moose Lodge located at 3 Goodrich Rd. in Owego, N.Y.

Hines, originally from Owego, is a 1982 O.F.A. graduate and has lived in North Carolina since 1995. A mother of two adult children and grandmother to five, it’s the support of Hines’ family and friends that has helped her maintain a positive thought process and also helps keep her motivated as she endures treatments.

Hines’ sister, Christine Stica of Vestal, shared that the family and friendship team, “Helps Diane stay strong, so she gets the most she can out of the treatments.”

Diagnosed in October 2016, the aggressiveness of the small cell cancer has caused the disease to spread to various parts of Diane’s body. Over the course of the last six to seven months, Hines has completed several chemotherapy treatments as well as radiation treatments. Radiation treatments for the brain region were ordered to reduce the risk of cancer spreading there.  

Hines was expected to receive updated results of the most recent treatment at the end of March.

Diane has been unable to work since starting her treatment plan. Stica explained that the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation has overwhelmed Diane, however she knows that her sister is having a better day when she tells Christine about an exciting “super-couponing” day.

Hines, who Christine called the “coupon lady,” has developed a keen skill at couponing, and as a result oftentimes has a stockpile of various items that she gets for free. In turn, much of that free merchandise is donated to charity or individuals in need.

“She has always been very generous to others,” Stica said.          

The April 15 benefit features a spaghetti dinner along with activities such as a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle and bake sale. Benefit organizers are asking guests to contribute a donation of $10 per adult and $5 for children age ten and under. All proceeds benefit Diane’s medical expenses and other needs.

Dozens of auction items will be on hand from several Owego and southern tier merchants and restaurants to include a florist and greenhouse, a golf course, hair salons and a pet center, just to name a few. Organizers welcome additional donations as well.

A host of top-selling toys as seen on the television show, The View, will be featured at the auction such as Code-A-Pillar, Mebo and Hatchimal. To view the toys, follow the link: http://abc.go.com/shows/the-view/video/pl5554876/VDKA3597188.

For individuals unable to attend the event, a GoFundMe page has been set up and can be viewed at https://www.gofundme.com/dianes-hines-lung-caner-fight. Donations can also be sent directly to Diane via Paypal at grandmoomdee@yahoo.com.

For additional information, follow the Benefit for Diane Hines on Facebook.