Dean and Dianne's Love Benefit in Oswego

If you walked into the Fox Valley Kickers Club on Saturday night, you could feel the love. Dozens of people—mostly friends and family, but some admirers—filled the large, festive room. 

The man of the hour was Dean Morrissette, . Now in a wheelchair, Dean and his wife, Dianne, both of Oswego, welcomed their many fans in person at the benefit in their honor. 

Dean and Dianne's children arranged the "Love Fund Benefit" in order to help the couple with the many expenses that they will incur from the accident. 

When I spoke to Dean at the benefit, he said he felt very grateful to everyone who showed support for the couple. He was most grateful to Dianne, who didn't leave his side all evening.

"I'm glad she found me after 32 years," he said, referring to how they reconnected on Facebook after both attending Oswego High School in the late '70s. 

At Patch's request, Dianne Morrissette wrote the following reflection, expressing her gratitude:

"There are a few days in our first year of marriage that we will never forget, Dec. 10, 2011 is one of them and what a way to end 2011.

"For those who don't know, my husband Dean was severely injured in a hunting accident on Oct. 30. He had fallen from his tree stand and completely severed his spinal cord leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. After leaving St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL on Nov. 15, he went straight to Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton where he was discharged Friday Dec. 9th.

"During the time Dean and I spent at both hospitals, our daughters, their husbands, church family and friends got busy planning a benefit to help us out with the millions racked up in medical bills. (Dean was laid off from his job that week and ready to begin a new job the Monday after the hunting trip).
 
"The benefit was held at Fox Valley Kickers Club in Oswego. Dean and I want to thank everyone, the planners, donations, food and drink providers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, music by: DJ Risk, Glenn Kaiser, Talon and all who came out to support us in our time of need. We are overwhelmed, humbled and just truly blessed to be surrounded by so many loving family and friends. We can never thank you all enough for all you have done for us, the best we can do is pay it forward every chance we get! You are all amazing!!!!

God Bless
Dean and Dianne Morrissette

P.S.
Hunters, wear your harnesses!!!!"

If you were unable to attend the benefit and would like to donate money, please make checks payable to: 
Dianne Morrissette C/O SBRVCF
P.O. Box 251
Oswego, IL 60543