Something so small, turns into something so big

We wanted to share a very special story with you that has had the whole town of Bundaberg and Wide Bay region talking.

Late in November we met Ella Christian, a normal happy young 7 year old during our breakfast show outside broadcast at Gooburum State School. She’s was unfortunately going through something that no one her age should ever have to go through. Her mum, Leisa is 47 years old and is terminally ill with cancer and will be lucky if she makes it to Christmas. Ella had one wish for us that morning, a simple request to say hello to her mum on the radio and tell her that she loves her very much.

We had no problem letting her jump on the mic, and pleasingly, her mother Leisa heard it and got in touch with us to let us know. The following few days, that moment, something so small and easy to allow, had everyone talking about Ella, and how someone her age was so brave and strong.

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Our Hitz 939 Bundaberg Facebook page was flooded with messages of support for both Ella and Leisa and we wanted to try and help in any way possible.

We ended up speaking to Leisa on the show and had arranged a few special surprises to try and put some positives in their lives coming up to Christmas.  Leisa didn’t own a radio so we bought her one so she could listen to what was about unfold over the coming days.

The Pageant of Lights Christmas Parade is one of the biggest events on the calendar in Bundaberg, around 8,000 people line the main street to kick off the Christmas spirit in the Bundaberg region.

Hitz 939 was invited to lead the parade and we wanted to do something special for Ella’s considering everything she’s been through in 2015. We thought it would be a great idea to invite Ella to lead the Pageant of Lights Parade and gave her a night she will never forget.

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We wanted to share our story to show everyone the power of regional radio in people’s lives. It’s not always about being in the big smoke giving away lots of cash or a new car, or in our case something as small and simple as a radio.

After our surprise, we drove out to the Christians family home and met with Leisa. The outlook and positivity she still has on life, still to this day is something that we can both take and use in our own lives.

In our years in radio, we both have said this has been one of the moments we will never forget in our radio careers. We have been fortunate enough to be invited into the Christian’s family life and meet two incredible ladies, and that in itself is something that will stay with us forever, and also shows what a regional radio station can do for people lives.

We hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas, and a fantastic 2016.

Bryce & Trace
Hitz 939 Bundaberg