Mitch Kronk Fundraiser

SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE TOOWOOMBA feel blessed to have been supported by its many, predominantly. trade customers for 50 decades, including challenging times like the FGC, so its only right that we pay back when we can.

One of our valued customers, Neil Kronk, approached us with a request for a prize donation to help raise funds for his very ill son, Mitch. Mitch's brother, Luke, was at the time, organising a fishing competition to raise dire neaded funds to help pay for Mitch's hospital bills and medication. We provided a Makita but wanted to do more and have meanwhile held a number of fundraising events to assist Mitch and his family.


mitch's story

Neil, and his wife Valerie (Mitch's parents) have already lost their beloved daughter Alyce (and Luke his sister) to Focal Sclerosing Glomureli Nephritis, a rare, cruel and long-term kidney disease. When she succumbed to this disease in 2013, Alyce was just 22 years young. She was first diagnosed in 2007 and, unfortunately, only survived another 8 months after her kidney transplant. We can't even imagine how hard this loss must have been (and still is) on the family. Unfortunately, there was more bad news to come.

It wasn't long after Mitch married his lovely wife Hayley in April of 2013, that he was informed by his doctor that his Creatinine levels were rapidly increasing. Creatinine is the measurement of contaminants in one's blood stream and an indication of kidney failure when the levels increase.

The entire family needed a break from all the bad things in their lives and decided to put all negative thoughts aside, for the time being, to enjoy an 8 week travel adventure, including a trip to Disneyland in L.A. Alyce was with them in spirit. Mitch used up his entire long-service leave to spend some quality time with his wonderful family.

Unfortunately, upon his return, the news about his health only got worse. Neil, Mitch's dad, reported that he could see him getting continually worse, as they worked together in the construction industry. Neil tells us that Mitch would arrive early to work after being sick all night. His Creatinine levels were now up at 1000, whem 80 would be normal.

The 29th of January 2015 was Mitch's last working day. If fate hadn't been cruel enough, Neil had to have an emergency appendix operation and Mitch was just not well enough to continue on with their work.

The renal unit started Mitch's Dialysis (which filters his blood) 2 weeks sooner than planned. His condition was worsening so fast. He has to endure Dialysis three times a week, which is no picnic in itself, but also causes huge spikes in the cleanliness / dirtiness of his blood, causing a lot of nausea. And, of course, a lot of medication goes along with this, which often has further nasty side-effects. A kidney transplant is not an option. The doctors are too concerned, that after what happened to Alyce after her transplant, that Mitch may have genetic similarities that could expose him to the same fate.

Update:
Just today Mitch's dad, Neil, informed us that Mitch is not having a good run. His blood pressure has been so high and the doctors can't seem to bring it down. Despite Mitch generally being such a positive person and a fighter, he's been a bit down, especially after the death of NZ rugby legend Jona Lomu who had the same ailment.

The burden on Mitch & Hayley is not limited to the huge emotional rollercoaster they are experiencing, but the financial pressure by Mitch's loss of income and the ever increasing hospital and medical bills,which are causing a huge additional strain on their young lives. And, of course, their families are suffering with them.

Yet, they're all doing an amazing job holding it together and we can only be amazed by their strength and positive outlook.

We wish to continue helping them.

We've organised a Silent Auction to commence in January 2016 at our Toowoomba store at 9 Wilkinson Street, Harlaxton to run until end April. Customers place a silent bid for a beautifully framed special edition State of Origin Jersey, signed by NRL legend, Billy Moore. Billy also gave Mitch his own personal jersey, as he's just such a fan. The Bid Entry Fee is $5 - the prize, of course, priceless to anyone who is a NRL fan. Both the collected entry fees plus the proceeds from the winning bid, will go directly to Mitch Kronk.

So, if you're reading this and live in or near Toowoomba, please visit SIMON HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE at 9 Wilkinson Street, Harlaxton to place a bid for this fantastic prize OR if you cannot make it to Toowoomba or prefer to directly donate to this cause, we would be ever so grateful for your contribution, no matter how little you can spare.