Within weeks of starting rigorous chemotherapy treatment, Mitchell's new baby brother Connor would also be admitted to the intensive care unit.
Only a few short months ago Mitchell was living a normal life for a six-year-old kid in Dubbo. He and his two-and-a-half year old sister Hannah were over the moon with excitement about their Mum having a baby in just days.
Mitchell had been feeling unwell for three weeks and wasn’t responding to medication. His mum and dad insisted on an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed their worst nightmare.
He was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a large tumour in his stomach with metastases in the lung, lymph node and bone. He was airlifted to Sydney and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit the very same day.
Mitchell's mum, Erin was due to give birth to his baby brother in just four days time. This meant that Mitchell would only be able to have his dad by his side for the beginning of his journey.
And on 21 January, the very same day Mitchell started chemotherapy treatment, his mum gave birth in Dubbo to an (initially) healthy baby boy, Connor.
It would be a heart wrenching 11 days before Mitchell would have his mum hugging him again. It would be this long until he and his dad would get to meet their new family member, baby Connor.
But sadly, as Mitchell bravely soldiered through his chemotherapy, and only one month after he was born, baby Connor became seriously ill and was admitted to intensive care. Baby Connor underwent surgery for severe laryngomalacia, softening of the voice box. He is dependent on a CPAP machine for breathing and requires ongoing hospital treatment.
For the next 548 nights, Ronald McDonald House in Sydney will be their home-away-from-home whilst Mitchell receives life-saving treatment. It means from now on, they can stay together as a family when they need each other most.
Mitchell has a long road ahead, show your support and stand with him. Let Mitchell and the next seriously ill child know that they are not alone.
Please sponsor a night on Mitchell's night-o-metre and send him a message of support now.