Diane’s Story
Diane Lassonde is a caring mother, wife and friend, an entrepreneur, and a creative spirit who is always willing to share her insight, perspective and learning with all she encounters. One of her many businesses is reselling, both for herself and for others, primarily on eBay. Her work with the BOSS Reseller Remix event introduced her to The Blind Center of Nevada.
From her very first visit, Diane was touched by those she met there. She was inspired by the welcoming and generous spirit of this community and their willingness to learn new things and face our complicated world head on, even without the advantage of good vision that so many of us take for granted. Diane’s heart was so moved by the members and mission of The Blind Center that even when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer and confronted with the reality that her time on earth would be short, she decided to use her resources to leave a gift that will live on long after she’s gone.
It was with this resolve that Diane and her family created the FearLESS Living Fund as a way to financially assist the donor recipients chosen each year and to honor Diane’s memory. With the proceeds of this fund, Diane can help others to “get a leg up in life”, even after she is not physically present anymore. We hope this fund will act as a reminder that Diane’s presence is always with us through the actions of those who honor the purpose and intention of this gift. We hope that you all will continue to pay forward the kindnesses and privileges you receive — a smile to make the day easier for someone else, a helping hand, sharing your knowledge, being generous with your resources, teaching and sharing.
The Blind Center of Nevada
Our fund donates directly to The Blind Center, which has helped the blind community find hope, learn independence, and pursue personal greatness for more than 20 years
It’s hard to encapsulate the welcome and inspiring feeling that comes over you as you enter The Blind Center’s facility…
Clients and employees (some are both) are cheerful and kind, always eager to help. The atmosphere is bustling with opportunities for clients to learn new skills in everything from technology to music to crafts. As creatives ourselves, we especially love seeing the weaving and pottery projects and hearing the music from the band and choir rooms.
Many members are trained in skills that lead to employment within The Blind Center itself, working in the kitchen to provide catering for events or in the eBay store. Especially when life is difficult, these outlets can help bring peace, a sense of happiness and that connection to community.
Our FearLESS Journey
2021 — Word of the Year: FearLESS
As the pandemic receded, Diane and her daughter, Jennifer, set one-word intentions for the coming year. Since Diane had been strictly homebound since the outbreak due to a pre-existing auto-immune disease, she chose to “fear less” as she began to reconnect in person with her loved ones.
January, 2022 — Lung Cancer Diagnosis
“FearLESS” was renewed as Diane’s word-of-the-year for 2022 and took on a whole new meaning when she and her family received news of her cancer diagnosis. Diane began sharing her cancer journey on Jennifer’s YouTube channel.
November, 2022 — Partnership with The Blind Center
After a wonderful experience at the BOSS Reseller Remix, Diane and her family made a special trip back to The Blind Center of Nevada to explore the creation of a memorial fund. Watch her describe her passion for the project in her own words here.
January, 2023 — The Dirty Dianes Start Shaving!
At the start of her treatment, Diane’s friends answered the call for support. Ryan Wilson from The Blind Center and Youtubers Katy & Vikki and Angel & Crystal became the founding members of the “Dirty Dianes” when they shaved their heads and raised an impressive amount of money for the newly established FearLESS Living Fund.
You can join The Dirty Dianes and receive a commemorative trucker hat by donating $250 or more to The FearLESS Living Fund!
Spring & Summer, 2023 — The Fund Grows with the Support of the FearLESS Community
With a series of online and in person fundraising events, including Conshy Consignment’s live auction and a Meet-up of the Greater Tampa Bay Area eBay Resellers, generous matching from List Perfectly, and the contributions of many individual donors, the fund surpassed all expectations in its first year.
Learn more about our recent fundraising events and how you can participate in the future here.
October, 2023 — 1st Annual FearLESS Living Scholarship Granted
Our first gift to a deserving member of The Blind Center will be awarded at the upcoming BOSS Reseller Remix. Stay tuned to learn about our inaugural recipient — follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter!
The FearLESS Living Fund 