Father-of-two dies after shock cancer diagnosis
A father of two and a winemaker awaiting surgery for a nagging shoulder injury was instead given a shock diagnosis and suddenly passed away just weeks later at the age of 38.
Ben Mitchell, a vineyard manager for Taylors Wines in Auburn, South Australia, had been experiencing shoulder pain for about a year after tearing a muscle and was planning to undergo surgery after bottling his 2024 vintage.
However, in November and December, the pain intensified and began spreading to his back.
He was admitted to Clare Hospital and subsequently transferred to Adelaide's Lyell McEwin Hospital for a series of tests, which revealed cancer in his peritoneum - the membrane lining the abdomen.
Stunned doctors delivered the heartbreaking news and gave him a maximum of two weeks to live, even with treatment.
Mr. Mitchell chose to decline chemotherapy and remarkably held on to see his four-year-old son Hugo compete at Little Athletics before passing away on March 8.
Despite battling the cruel disease, the passionate footy player and sports enthusiast continued to walk 800m every morning until the final week of his life.
His wife, Johanna, described him as a 'people person' who 'enjoyed meeting new people' and serving his local community.
'I'll always remember his infectious laugh, inclusiveness, and kindness,' Ms. Mitchell told The Advertiser.
'He had a way of making people feel welcome, always eager to chat and genuinely interested in others and their lives.'
A GoFundMe campaign has been established for Mr. Mitchell's family by friend Kate Sigut, who shared that he 'passed away after an unexpected and heartbreaking whirlwind of events.'
'Though they should have had a lifetime together, Ben bravely held on longer than expected to spend precious days with his family,' Ms. Sigut wrote.
'This sudden and devastating loss has deeply saddened and shocked all who knew Ben.'
Ms. Sigut highlighted Mr. Mitchell's 'warmth, kindness, and unwavering love,' which left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
She also emphasized that Mr. and Ms. Mitchell are 'beautiful and selfless humans' who worked hard to build a life together with their two sons.
'With this tragedy, their legacy of love and compassion endures, forever etched in the hearts of those they touched,' the fundraiser states.
'As Joh and their two boys, Hugo and Thomas, cope with the immense loss of their husband and father, they face the daunting challenge of navigating life without his presence.'
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