Heartfelt plan hits right note

September 25, 2008

Section: News, Community

When Wollongong musician Reese Szabo’s girlfriend was diagnosed with cancer for the second time a month ago, he wasted no time organising a massive surprise fundraiser to help her out.

But the front man of local band Jolan (pronounced yo-larn) soon found out keeping a secret this big from his girlfriend could be tricky.

He has had to call her friends to keep them quiet, try to stop her seeing promotions for the fundraiser online and at one point nearly brought the whole thing crashing down when he accidentally sent her a text message about the show.

“I managed to cover it up,” he said.

“(But) I think she has a hint something is going on.”

Mr Szabo and his band have organised a concert for this Saturday night in Wollongong to raise money for his girlfriend of eight months Jacqueline Freestone.

Ms Freestone already had a run in with cancer when she was a child, when she had to undergo chemotherapy to fight off Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and just a few weeks ago was told she had a cancerous growth in her left kidney, which must be removed.

After the kidney is taken out the 24-year-old model and graphic designer will have to undergo up to eight months of chemotherapy.

Originally from Gundagai, Ms Freestone now lives in Sydney, and Mr Szabo is hoping the gig on Saturday will raise money to help pay for her treatment there and the costs of living – which she won’t be able to provide for herself while undergoing treatment.

He said he would also like to put some of the money into buying some nice wigs for his girlfriend, who will lose her hair because of the chemotherapy.

“We want to get her some really nice wigs so she can keep doing shoots,” he said.

The event will be held at a church hall at 54 Swan Street, Wollongong from 8pm.

Tickets are priced at $5 and can be purchased at the door on the night. The night will also be aimed at raising awareness about cancer.

Jolan formed about seven months ago, and were brought together by Mr Szabo, who writes and arranges the band’s music.