Mitchells Big Heart - Help Mitch through this tough time
Mitchell - healthy 18year old with an enlarged heart that isnt working properly along with various other mystery illnesses
Canterbury
Mitchell is an amazing guy - you wouldn't believe he is 18 when you hear stories about him.
He works hard, puts his extended family first, is so caring and kind to others he has an amazing big heart that cares dearly for others.
But when we say Big heart we mean literally.
Mitchell went into the after hours to get some bruising looked at which is covering 30% of his legs and parts of his arms that isnt going away he was sent to the hospital straight away.
24 hours later he was told that he is in the early stages of heart failure, his heart was enlarged and functioning at 28% when a person of his age and health should be functioning at atleast 60-80%
Because of this Mitchells heart is struggling to work efficiently requiring it to work harder causing him to become very short of breath even when resting.
He has a large medical team which are working around the clock to find what is causing this, to which they suspect an Auto Immune Disease. However due to his condition this is taking some time and putting alot of strain on Mitchell while he under goes numerous tests.
They suspect Mitchell to be in hospital for awhile as currently he is not responding to medication to help his heart work correctly.
Ashley Van de loo's involvement (page creator)
I am Mitchells older sister. I feel helpless in what I can do for Mitch other than visit and sit with him while he goes through this trying time. Mitch is always the first to help when I have needed it, this time Mitch needs the help. Mitch cant stress at the current time as it will put unnecessary strain on him. Im hoping making this page will help lessen the burden for him.
Use of funds
Funds donated will help cover wages that are lost while he is in hospital and also when he is discharged unable to work - as Mitchell has only just started a new job 4 weeks ago he has no holiday or sick pay.
Funds will also help go towards flights for immediate family. Mitchells mum lives in the north island and currently myself (his sister) is the only person able to visit and sit with him while he goes through this trying time.
Funds will also help with the multiple follow up visits needed
Latest update
Update - home from hospital 14 October 2017
Mitchell arrived back at home on the 28th of September after 18 days in hospital.
Although he is doing much better he still has a long road ahead.
Mitchell is having fortnightly chemotherapy treatments for the next 6months to treat his takayasu arteritis along with various other medications.
His heart rate has come down significantly thankfully due to the medication which will be ongoing for the rest of his life.
Although he is still in denial about what is and has happened he is slowly coming to terms with everything and accepting that with a few minor life style changes and proper attention to medicines and medical treatment he will be able to live a happy joyful life. We are very thankful for all the help and support we have received in way of donations, the fantastic team of doctors at Christchurch hospital, the lovely nurses in ward 12 cardiology and the people who have taken the time out of their days to provide mitch with the love and support he needed.
Much love Mitchell and family
Latest donations
Thank you very much for your kind donation, we are beyond thankful and lost for words with the support he has received. Mitchell is currently living in Christchurch but did live in Whangarei during his early teen years and has many hopes and dreams of one day returning to live.
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