By TAJUANA CHESHIER
tcheshier@jacksonsun.com
Dec 8 2004

A meeting with her has been described by most as ''inspirational'' and ''unforgettable.''What makes meeting 57-year-old Dianne Odell, the longest-living polio survivor in an iron lung, so life-changing for some?

''She's the survivor of an old era and she's one of those uniquely inspirational people,'' said actress Jane Seymour on Tuesday night. ''I recommend anyone spend time talking with her, it will put your life into focus.''

Seymour, producer James Keach and a host of Hollywood elite arrived in West Tennessee for Tuesday evening's ''A Christmas Homecoming'' to benefit The Dianne Odell Fund of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation. The fund helps pay for Odell's care, since there are no federal funds remaining to help.

''She never complains about her situation, she loves television and likes to look good,'' said Seymour after a reception held at Oakmont Place for Odell in Jackson. The Oakmont reception was the first of a series of events held in Odell's honor - a concert at Freed-Hardeman University followed - and an estimated $60,000 was raised from the silent and live auctions.

Just to give an idea of the magnitude of the giving spirit attendees were in, a trip to Malibu to spend with Seymour and Keach went for $15,000 and the Los Angeles film premiere of Keach's ''Walk the Line'' was grabbed for a bid of $12,000.

And not to mention the tickets for the reception started at $250. An estimated 150 people were in attendance.

Event Chairwoman Libby Murphy high-fived someone as she added the bid sheets using a calculator.

''There were so many people who worked to make this night possible,'' Murphy said.

The second event was a concert featuring Broadway entertainer Gary Morris at Freed-Hardeman in Henderson. A special presentation was planned for Odell, who rarely leaves her home other than for hospital visits or special events, making the FHU appearance her first extended social activity in three years, Murphy said. Odell did not attend the Oakmont reception.

''So much of her life is lived through television and she's looking at a 13-inch screen,'' Murphy said. ''We're replacing that with a 32-inch Toshiba.''

Support for the concert was expected to be phenomenal.

''I'm not sure how many people will be there, but we're expecting in the thousands,'' said Murphy, who was in a caravan of limousines headed to the concert following the reception.

The limousine treatment was reserved for the evening's final event, a Hollywood Supper, to celebrate the birthdays of Morris and Keach.

Traveling with Murphy was Sen. Don McLeary, D-Jackson, who served as the event's honorary chairman.

''She touched me. We're the same age,'' said McLeary, who visits Odell and often brings her favorite, caramel cake. ''She calls me 'my senator' and I am.''

BellSouth was the evening's title sponsor, with a donation of $10,000.

''We're honored to be a part of this event,'' said Shirley Burford, regional director of corporate and public affairs.

Organizers hope having so many out-of-towners in West Tennessee to support the Dianne Odell fund will be an inspiration.

''People traveling so far to be here raises the bar for more people here to participate,'' said Harrison Forbes, a local businessman.

Those who have never met Odell seemed to be touched by her story.

''When I think about the things she's had to overcome, my everyday issues seem less important,'' said Tara Ferguson, who recently moved to the area from Los Angeles. ''I think she's amazing.''

For Robert Stewart, of Jackson, Tuesday night was his first time meeting Odell.

Stewart, who is with Party Mart of Jackson, helped coordinate the wine and champaign donations for the evening.

''I'm excited and I think it will be an honor to meet her,'' he said.

Visit talkback.jacksonsun.com and share your thoughts.

- Tajuana Cheshier, (731) 425-9758

What to know

For more information about the Dianne Odell Fund, call West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation at 660-8770.

''People traveling so far to be here raises the bar for more people here to participate.''

Harrison Forbes, local businessman