Fund-raiser to help Modesto widow whose husband was killed in wreck

Dianna King was at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto for cancer treatment when she received the call Wednesday.

An officer said her husband had been killed in a traffic accident at Orangeburg Avenue and Oakdale Road in east Modesto.

"The eight weeks of cancer treatment has been a hardship for her, and now this happens to her husband," said Lisa Zavala, her friend.

King learned three months ago she had cancer that had spread from her lungs to her brain. Surgeons removed the cancer from the brain and she has undergone aggressive treatment at Stanford for the lung cancer, Zavala said.

A group of supporters was planning a fund-raiser to offset King's medical expenses, and now the effort has taken on more urgency.

"We have received an awesome outpouring from businesses donating items and people wanting to help," Zavala said. "She believes she is going to get through this. She is a fighter and has so many people who love her."

Harold King, 43, of Modesto was killed when his motorcycle collided with a Honda Accord at the intersection. Police said he was driving west on East Orangeburg about 4:15 p.m.; a woman driving the Honda was going east on Orangeburg and preparing to turn left on Oakdale Road.

King suffered fatal injuries after hitting the car and the pavement, police said.

A tri-tip dinner, auction and other activities are set for Aug. 15 at the Teamsters Hall, at 1222 I St., in downtown Modesto. Two bands, including the Second Traditional Higher Power Brass, will play during the event from 3 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person. Proceeds will assist Dianna King with medical and funeral expenses. Anyone interested in buying tickets or donating may call Zavala at 522-0207 or 402-3470. To donate to a trust fund established for King, call Lisa Domino at 581-7038.

Bee staff writer Ken Carlson can be reached at kcarlson@modbee.com or 578-2321.