Premier calls Gold Coast melanoma campaigner Ashleigh Simrajh, whose message is saving lives
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has reached out to terminally ill melanoma campaigner Ashleigh Simrajh, who will marry her fiance on Saturday.
Gold Coast
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has joined PM Scott Morrison in reaching out to terminally-ill Gold Coast melanoma campaigner Ashleigh Simrajh ahead of her Saturday wedding.
The 23-year-old has devoted the past few months to spreading the message about the importance of skin checks, with her father Tony saying dozens of people had had checks and melanomas had been caught, all thanks to his daughter's message.
Ms Simrajh said the Premier called to discuss Ashleigh's journey and ask what else could be done to get the message out.
"Ashleigh's message is reaching some really important people who hopefully listen to her, first the Prime Minister and now Annastacia Palaszczuk," he said.
"We have also had so many messages of people getting their skin checked to find out they have melanoma. Ashleigh's commitment to getting her message out is saving lives. If they hadn't seen Ashleigh's journey it could have been their journey as well.
"I am so proud of her."
Mr Simrajh said the family was also weighing up one last self-funded treatment, but that the trial was only at stage 1 and came with risks.
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Ms Simrajh plans to marry her fiance this Saturday thanks to the generosity of Facebook group Gold Coast Girls in Business (GCGIB).
Earlier this month the Bulletin shared an article about Ashleigh’s plight with the page’s 25,000 followers. A staggering 250 local women offered money, accommodation, help and services to ensure the 23-year-old’s dying wish of marrying Jason Hale came true.
Word of her courageous attitude in spreading the word on the importance of skin checks even reached Prime Minister Scott Morrison and he wrote to her.
“All of us need reminders about the dangers that come from living in such a sun drenched land. I know these are poignant days for you: a wedding, time with family and friends; and reflections on what was,” wrote the PM.
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“Even Prime Ministers can’t fathom why such things happen in life. But I do know you will be surrounded by love – and I hope the joy of your wedding day surpasses your dreams.
“You will be in my prayers. God bless you Ashleigh.”
Ashleigh’s dad Tony said the letter “bought the biggest smile ever to Ashleigh’s face, little things like that make so much difference to her spirits”.
“Gold Coast Girls in Business have just been amazing and have pulled out all stops to fast track her wedding that would have been impossible for us to organise.
"Ashleigh was told last Tuesday she only had 1-3 days left with us, but here we are a week later and she’s improved significantly, I credit all the love and support that she has received for this."
GCGIB founder Asha Peck said in addition to public offers of help, she received 60 personal messages from people wanting to help anonymously.
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“It’s wonderful to see the way everyone comes together to help, the kindness is so heartwarming. So many people just wanted to help without getting any recognition for it,” said Ms Peck.
Wedding planner and stylist at Boho Luxe & Co Johanna Fielding, who is a member of GCGIB, has been instrumental is helping to get Ashleigh down the aisle.
“I lost my mum to cancer three years ago and we also had a GoFundMe page like Ashleigh’s dad Tony set up and so many strangers donated, it was amazing. So by helping Ash I’d like to think I’m paying it forward,” she said.
This Saturday Sea World Resort is hosting the Simrajh family and taking care of their accommodation, food and drinks bill. Celebrant Robyn Wagner is marrying the pair, Love Me Knot Bridal is gifting a dress, Wilde Botanicals is on flowers, Bruno’s Suits will dress Mr Hale, Willow and Finch Photography is capturing the nuptials.
Rings have been supplied by Love Lara Jewellery, Emilia Marie Makeup is doing Ash’s makeup and Coastal Cookie Co. is supplying favours.
But Ms Fielding still needs a wedding cake, videographer and stationary and she’s hoping generous Gold Coasters will email offers of help to info@boholuxeco.com.au
EARLIER THIS MONTH
WITH just weeks to live, Ashleigh Simrajh has one final wish … to marry the love of her life.
The 23-year-old has terminal cancer and recently became engaged. Now she is hoping officials can fast-track her marriage application so she can wed her beloved Jason Hale.
“I suppose it’s a bit of a shotgun wedding but I’d like to have a small wedding with my friends and family,” the 23-year-old Gold Coaster said.
Ms Simrajh, who has been told she has weeks or maybe a few months to live, also has a heartfelt message she wants heard.
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“I didn’t even know that melanoma could look like a pimple, I just thought they were moles. But any lesion or bump could be melanomas so make sure you get all growths checked out,” she said.
“People have become so lazy and don’t go to the doctor for a health check-up, but it’s really important, especially for young people who often say they’re too busy.”
Ashleigh’s father Tony Simrajh has not left his daughter’s side and has even rented an Airbnb at Hope Island. It is costing thousands and it is money the family does not have.
“It’s so expensive and I’m not sure where we’ll be next week, but our house has stairs and she’s only 35kg and too weak to walk up them, so we’re here for now,” he said.
“I’m never more than five metres away from Ashleigh. If she needs water I’ll get it, if she wants Sushi, I’ll drop to the shops to get it for her.”
A former student of Guardian Angels and Aquinas College, Ms Simrajh was never a sun worshipper and was working at McDonald’s when she first visited a GP about an unusual lump in her thigh. She later visited a general surgeon. Neither took a biopsy.
It was not until May last year that she was finally diagnosed with malignant melanoma but it was too late. The cancer had spread to her lungs, lymph nodes and liver.
Lawyers acting on behalf of Ms Simrajh and her family have launched action against two practitioners, seeking compensation for her pain and suffering.
“Due to Ashleigh’s deteriorating state, a race against time is now on to ensure all evidence is preserved so justice for Ashleigh and her family can be achieved,” said Clare Eves, a medical law expert with Shine Lawyers.
“Do your homework, know the speciality of the doctor, know what questions to ask and if you are not satisfied with the answers, seek a second opinion.”
Right now, Mr Simrajh is focused on trying to organise a dress, flowers, hair and make-up to spoil his daughter he so desperately wants to see walk down the aisle.
“I know it would mean the world to Ashleigh if she could marry Jason,” he said.
Anyone who is in a position to help the Simrajh family can email Tony on siminvestments@outlook.com or emily.toxward@news.com.au
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