Mitchell Family Medical Expenses

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In May of 2021, Rosemary Mitchell, a hardworking and loving senior in high school, was finishing her exams and planning for college. All of this changed on a dime when she collapsed in her mother’s arms two days after her prom.

Rosie was rushed to the hospital. She could not speak, move, or communicate in ANY way. She was admitted to the ICU, and her medical team thought she’d never come out. She was then transported to Boston Children’s, where she was diagnosed with one of the rarest and most deadly forms of brain cancer—a form known as DLGNT.

In the past year alone, Rosie has endured:

- Nine emergency brain surgeries

- More months inpatient in ICU and acute care than outpatient

- More chemo, radiation, and experimental drugs than anyone can imagine

- Paralysis, heartache, and unspeakable isolation from her entire world

Miraculously, Rosie has beaten every statistic and survived the year with her mother by her side 24/7. Thanks to your support, love, and prayers, they can stay strong and fight.

The big news is that Rosie wants to come home finally! This is why we are asking for extra support from you and the wider community. Rosie’s family needs to quickly prepare their home for her return. Rosie and her mom have not been home since December 2021, and Rosie will be returning in a 500-pound wheelchair.

Their house will need to change to make Rosie’s return possible. The doors need to be widened, bathroom facilities need to be made suitable, lifts need to be installed, and a physical therapy space needs to be created. In addition, a wheelchair van capable of getting Rosie safely back to Boston Children’s is required for appointments and emergency treatment should she experience a high intercranial pressure event—and local ambulances cannot make that trip.

Rosie’s family is hard-working, extremely frugal, and has always lived well within their means. The day after Rosie’s diagnosis, the hospital said, "Nothing can prepare you for what cancer does, not just emotionally but financially.” 62% of oncology patients and their families report being deeply in debt because of their treatment—and a whopping 42% of new oncology patients and their families will lose their life savings altogether.

There is so much that can’t be controlled in Rosie’s course of treatment, even in the hands of her exquisite neuro-oncology team at Boston Children’s and her dedicated care team at Spaulding. But there are aspects of this disease that money can fix and ultimately improve Rosie’s quality of life—which is why we are asking for support. So if you can, please consider donating today to help get Rosie back home.

Every extra moment gained with Rosie is beyond precious. Your support, financial or otherwise, is a blessing that their family keenly appreciates. Please share this GoFundMe page with your friends, family, and social media. Anything you can do to help is appreciated! 

You can also purchase a Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes Tee for $30 from Tulila Clothing. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the cause.

Click here to view photos from Rosie's fight.

Thank you to Marallee, Donnie, Margaret, Kathleen, Deb, Moriah, Lisa C., Lisa N., Michelle, Kim, Amy, Chris, the Lohmans, and the Mitchells. We cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done. You are our lifelines.