Lymphoma Survivor Transforms Wedding into Research Fundraiser

Lymphoma devastates many patients and families across the globe, and the lucky few who survive the disease often still find that their lives will never be the same. The outlook for survivors can be bleak due to the disease’s possible recurrence, medical bills, and other stressors. For many, though, surviving gives them a new lease on life. Many survivors go on to live happy and healthy lives. Some also make it their mission to help those currently suffering from the same disease through counseling, volunteering, or fundraising. One couple in California did just that when they turned their wedding day into a day of kindness and generosity for lymphoma patients.

Lymphoma is known to dishearten and demoralize many patients, as well as their family members; very few lucky ones survive this deadly disease. The chances of survival are often bleak and, on top of that, there are medical bills and additional stressors to aggravate the situation. But for many patients, going through such a serious disease teaches them the importance of life, and their survival offers them a new outlook that they appreciate more than before. One couple based in California recently made use of this opportunity and turned their wedding event into a noble cause, choosing to spend their special day being generous towards lymphoma patients. AJ and Michelle Manas first met some three years back in Chicago, but after some time, AJ had to return to California, so the couple maintained a long-distance relationship while he was gone. After six months, however, AJ was diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin B-Cell Lymphoma. This disease is quite deadly and hard to treat. AJ told Michelle about his condition, expecting her to end their relationship, but to his surprise, she dropped everything and moved to California to be by his side. The chemotherapy treatments and medications all were completely exhausting, but the couple attests that battling this disease together brought them closer to one another. AJ proposed to Michelle just months after the news of his remission. The couple then got in touch with the chairman of the Lymphoma Research Foundation and worked alongside him to set up their reception as part of a fundraiser. The two asked their guests not to bring gifts, but instead to donate whatever they wished to the foundation. Vendors were also asked to do the same, and they even offered to take part of their service costs and give it to the organization. The couple raised nearly $78,984 as a result of their shared event. They plan to have another reception in Chicago for their family members and to increase their fundraising goal to $100,000 as well.

There are various ways one can help to raise funds for lymphoma or any other cancer-fighting cause:

• Many a times, people fear that guests will not donate enough money, making everything a big waste of time. There are many ways to prevent this, though. Use special occasions to encourage donations, such as a baby shower, wedding reception, or a bachelor party.
• Try to find an event that’s fun for the audience and at the same time provides an easy and effective way to raise funds. Such activities could be karaoke, a sports party, an art gallery exhibition, and many others. You can charge admission fees and also maintain a separate counter for individual donations as per their wishes.
• One can also go in for happy hour sessions. Happy hour is an enticing option for regular social drinkers. You can get in touch with a local watering hole to see if they would be interested in helping out a noble cause.