Martorella family raises suicide, PTSD awareness

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
The family of a Charleroi veteran who took her own life after battling post traumatic stress disorder is hosting their annual fundraiser in her honor this weekend.
Deana Martorella, a former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, committed suicide March 4, 2016, after serving her country for five years.
Her family learned about her PTSD diagnosis after her death. Through their grief, they decided to make it their mission to keep her memory alive.
In 2016, her family started the Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Foundation to support a graduating Charleroi Area High School senior and to raise suicide and PTSD awareness.
To support the scholarship, her family hosts fundraisers each year in her honor – and they are continuing to grow.
Deana’s mother, Laurie Martorella, said the third annual Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship bingo will be held Saturday at the Monessen Fireman’s Social Hall.
The drag queen bingo costs $25 and will begin at 7 p.m., hosted by Miss Thea Trix and DJ Fletch.
This year, the bingo also includes a spaghetti dinner, which comes with a salad, bread, iced tea or lemonade and dessert.
Eight games of regular bingo and a show by the “queens” are included in the ticket price.
There will also be four special games available for purchase, a 50/50 raffle, games of chance and a basket raffle.
Tickets are available at the door, but advance ticket purchases are recommended by calling Julie at 724-825-5417 or Jill at 724-825-0049.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Monday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.