Cancer has affected Kylie’s family in more ways than one. When she was 11 her Nonno passed away from the disease. Then two of her beloved aunties and her grandmother were diagnosed. While her grandmother and Aunty Carmel survived, sadly her Aunty Lidia didn’t.
“Cancer has really affected us,” shared Kylie. “What they went through … it was really rough.”
Kylie’s husband Anthony is also no stranger to cancer.
“One of his family members had it,” said Kylie. “It was very tough. He brought music and life to the family.”
That’s why when the couple decided to tie the knot, they wanted to do something to honour the people that they loved who have come face-to-face with this disease.
“We were looking at bonbonnieres – most of it was little things like candles. I just thought, I want to do something different. Something where we can contribute to a cause that’s close to our hearts. Something that’s more meaningful.”
So Kylie and Anthony decided to donate the money that they would have spent on bonbonnieres to two charities that were close to their hearts – one of them was Cancer Council.
“It just felt like the right thing to do,” said Kylie. “We didn’t have a lot of money for bonbonnieres - this way the money that we had could really do something. It could be put towards research that can help people.”
Kylie and Anthony’s guests each received a silver daffodil pin, as well as a small card that explained how the money from the couple’s donation supports a cancer free future.
“When my family saw the pins at the table they fell in love,” said Kylie. “It was a wonderful tribute and they were so glad that we did it. Our guests were also more than happy to pin the daffodil to their dress or suit – you could see that they were so proud to wear them. It was so beautiful to see and so worth it.”
When asked if she would encourage other couples to do the same at their wedding. Kylie doesn’t hesitate to say “110 per cent yes!”
“It is absolutely wonderful to be able to give something back as part of your wedding. For us, knowing that we’ve given someone else a chance to have their own happy ending – or at least one good day made it so worth it.
“Research is so important; I really believe that it is the means to the end of cancer. If one wedding every week donated to cancer research, just imagine how much of an impact we could make.”
Like Kylie and Anthony, you can make a lasting contribution when you celebrate your next special occasion by donating to Cancer Council on behalf of your guests.
Learn more abut our Give In Celebration program