Coast’s generosity gives battling couple a day to remember
October 10, 2014
When you’ve been diagnosed with terminal leukaemia and your mother has sold the family home to fund your medical treatment, affording a wedding is the furthest thing from your mind.
But thanks to the Sunshine Coast initiative My Wedding Wish and the generosity of Sunshine Coast and Brisbane wedding suppliers, leukaemia patient DJ Hall and partner Stephanie Lloyd will have the opportunity to create treasured memories in what has been an incredibly tough year.
My Wedding Wish proprietor Lynette Maguire said the deserving couple were selected from a number of applicants to receive a $25,000 wedding package including a venue, catering, flowers, accommodation, rings, hair and make-up, photography, pampering sessions, a photo booth and transport.
“DJ and Stephanie are going through such a hard time, so it means a lot to be able to reduce their emotional and financial burden, even if just for a day, and let them step back from the stress and worry they’re facing and enjoy their time together,” Ms Maguire said.
“DJ is currently undergoing bone marrow aspirations, injections, antibiotics and daily chemotherapy, and is set to commence treatment in the US next month so the wedding will also serve as somewhat of a farewell as he heads off for treatment.”
“They’ll get to tie the knot at AnnaBella the Wedding Chapel in Ilkley next Tuesday and then share their special day with 60 of their close friends and family at the reception at Sunshine Castle in Bli Bli.”
Mr Hall said he was delighted to receive the very generous gift and couldn’t have imagined being able to tie the knot with his fiancée at this time.
“We can’t believe we’ll get to share this very special day with friends and family and we are very grateful for the generous donations from the various businesses involved with My Wedding Wish,” Mr Hall said.
“Apart from the cost associated with planning a wedding, we have very little time in the day, or the energy to be able to plan a wedding, so this is really an incredible gesture.”
Mr Hall was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at just 22 years old and after months of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, was informed in late 2013 that treatment had failed and the illness was considered terminal.
Recent developments have seen the couple being given a glimmer of hope with Mr Hall being accepted into a new medical trial in Philadelphia.
“DJ’s parents have sold the family home to fund the medical costs associated with his treatment; however, more funds are needed to cover the upfront payment required for the trial so they’ve established the ‘Get DJ to Philly’ fund to assist DJ and Stephanie in their fundraising efforts,” Ms Maguire said.
“The target is to raise $680,000 in the next few weeks and we hope everyone will get on board. At present, a further $90,000 is required to reach the target.”
Ms Maguire said she encouraged business owners and community members alike to get behind the couple and dig deep to support them in their hour of need.
“It’s a big ask but the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane communities are always so willing to rise to a challenge and support locals in need, so hopefully we can hit the target. Every little bit counts.”
Ms Maguire said DJ and Stephanie were not the only couple to benefit from the My Wedding Wish gift pool, with Mooloolah Valley couple John and Allison who have been married for 18 years being offered a renewal of vows, and a Warner couple, Naomi and Emily bestowed with an all-expenses-paid same-sex commitment ceremony.
“Both of these couples are facing some serious health issues and we feel incredibly privileged to be able to give something back and put a much-needed smile on their faces,” Ms Maguire said.
This is the second year the wedding grants have been up for grabs and Ms Maguire hopes to take My Wedding Wish Australia-wide on a full-time basis. For more information visit the My Wedding Wish Facebook page www.facebook.com/WeddingWish or the website www.myweddingwish.com.au.
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For further information please contact My Wedding Wish Proprietor Lynette Maguire on 0400 595 679 or info@myweddingwish.com.au.
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 / 07 5351 1010 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
The following businesses are proud donors to My Wedding Wish 2014:
Accommodation – North Shore Realty, Marcoola
Bonbonnieres – All Perfectly Planned
Bridal nails – Sarah Rose Nails and Beauty
Bridal party gifts – Wendy Britton Ceramics
Bridal veil – A Veiled Affair, north Brisbane
Cake – Sweet Creations, Buderim
Ceremony – Suzanne Riley, Brightwater
Ceremony venue – AnnaBella Chapel, Ilkley
Couples counselling – Enlightened Loving
DJ/Music – Elite Sounds Entertainment
Entertainment – ET Circus
Invitations – Invitation Designs by Eliza, Brisbane
Media management – Fresh PR & Marketing, Marcoola
Personalised coat hangers – PJs Personalised Coat Hangers
Photo booth – Noosa Photo Booths, Noosa
Photographer – Runners up – Icatching Photography
Photography – Marion Jonkers Photography
Proprietor / organiser – Lynette Maguire Marriage Celebrant, Buderim
Reception styling – Decorating Divas
Stress-less session – The Wedding Guru
Suits – Suits Direct, Mooloolaba
Reception venue – Sunshine Castle, Bli Bli
Videography – Divine Studios, Brisbane
Wedding bands – Sunstate Jewellers, Caloundra
Wedding car – Deluxe Kombi Service
Wedding co-ordinator – Kath Ford Marriage Celebrant
Wedding gown – Exquisite Gowns by Yvonne, Morayfield
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