Locals unite for Gem
FUNDRAISER
The Douglas Shire has again united to lend a timely helping hand to one of its own as the battle continues to kick cancer to the curb.
Local teenager Gemma Kilpatrick was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer in late August and started treatment in Cairns just days’ later to kick cancer.
Just days ago a large number of locals attended an auction fundraiser at Port Douglas Hemingway’s to assist with Gem’s ongoing treatment along with medical and living expenses.
$7521 was raised for Gem on the night.
Local Douglas Shire businesses such as Hemingway’s Brewery, Quicksilver, Lady Douglas, Wicked Willie’s, Salsa Bar and Grill, With Sugar, Shaolin and Daintree Magic all made generous contributions to the event as did Splish Splash swimwear, DS Hair and makeup, Malone Butchers, Flash Lash by Gail, Jungle Road, Beau Gentry menswear, Sportspower, Tahitian Lime, Noy’s Thai massage, Island Point interiors, The Tin Shed, Bodies in Motion, Koko Beach Club, L’Dream and Port Produce.
Heaps of items were on offer on the night which, among others, included:
- A stand-up paddle board
- A gift pack from Hemingway’s Brewery
- A family day pass to Green Island
- A story bracelet from Evert Jewellery
- Two nights’ accommodation in deluxe two bed apartment at Mandalay Resort
- Watercolour painting from local artist Trish Brown
- Family pass incl Breakfast with the Birds at Rainforest Habitat
- Quicksilver cruise for two adults
- A 12-month membership at Port Douglas Gym
- Chillydog Refrigeration- 2x vouchers for Service of aircons for a three bedroom house valued at $400 each
- Two free nights at Pavilions Apartments in a studio apartment
- Two free nights in a two-bedroom apartment at Nautilus Apartments
- Beautiful large decorative ceramic pot with plants from With Sugar
- One night accommodation at Ramada Resort
- Lady Douglas cruise
- Shaolin Cruise
- Two nights’ accommodation at Daintree Magic holiday house in Cow Bay
The organisers wanted to note the hard work and donations from Hemingway’s Brewery, Gail Hughes, Kate Agrums, Holly Essex, Ali Kleyngeld, Steve Taylor, Noli Pepiyat, Melea Turnbull, Trish Brown and Rachel Cocks.
Just days ago Gem’s mother, Shannon Bell noted on social media both were looking forward to Christmas after a long few months.
“No more hospital treatments, but Gemma is still seeing out the final days, knowing the reality of cancer,” she said.
“As she finally reached her point of lowest/zero immunity, her mouth has been trying very hard to ulcerate.
“So this fortnight, it has even hurt to sip water and her temperature is still not regulating, which may last a few months.
“But as Xmas approaches, us girls are looking forward to catching up with some long-missed mates and family.”