A 38-year-old father-of-two and winemaker in Australia, who had a slight pain in his shoulder, went to the hospital and was told by doctors he had only two more weeks to live.
Ben Mitchell, a vineyard manager for Taylors Wines in Auburn, South Australia, had been suffering from shoulder pain for about a year after tearing a muscle and was planning to have surgery after bottling his 2024’s vintage.
But in November and December the pain became worse and started to spread to his back.
He was taken to Clare hospital and then transferred to Adelaide’s Lyell McEwin Hospital to undergo a number of tests which revealed a cancer in his peritoneal – the membrane that lines the abdomen.
Stunned doctors told him the heartbreaking news and only gave him a maximum of two weeks to live, even with treatment.
Mr Mitchell decided to turn down chemotherapy and miraculously managed to survive to see his four-year-old son Hugo compete at Little Athletics before dying on March 8.
The passionate footy player and sports fan continued to walk 800m every morning until the final week of his life.
His wife, Johanna, said that he maintained his motto of ‘go hard or go home’ even while battling the cruel disease.
She remembered her husband as a ‘people person’ who ‘enjoyed meeting new people’ and being of service to his local community.
‘I will remember his infectious laugh, and his inclusiveness and his kindness,’ Ms Mitchell told The Advertiser.
‘He had a way to make people feel welcome, and always wanted to chat and he was genuinely interested in people and their lives.’
A GoFundMe has been set up for Mr Mitchell’s family by friend, Kate Sigut, who said he ‘passed away after what has been an unexpected and heartbreaking whirlwind of events’.
‘Though they should have had a lifetime together, Ben courageously held on for longer than expected to spend precious days with his family,’ Ms Sigut wrote.
‘This sudden and devastating loss has hit all those who knew Ben with such deep sadness, shock.’
Ms Sigut said Mr Mitchell’s ‘warmth, kindness and unwavering love’ left an unforgettable mark on those who knew him.
She added that Mr and Ms Mitchell are ‘beautiful and selfless humans’ who had worked hard to build a life together with their two sons.
‘And with this tragedy, their legacy of love and compassion lives on, forever etched in the hearts of those they touched,’ the fundraiser reads.
‘Joh, and their two boys, Hugo and Thomas, grapple with the immense loss of their husband and father, they are faced with the daunting challenge of navigating life without his presence.’
The GoFundMe has raised over $27,000 since being created by March 19.
