Please support Ainslie, Mitch and Vinnie.

Hi friends, family and kind-hearted strangers,

We’re reaching out on behalf of two of the kindest people we know—Ainslie and Mitch—whose beautiful and spirited toddler, Vinnie, is facing an unimaginable medical challenge.

Over the past six weeks, Vinnie’s health has deteriorated rapidly. What started with a single droopy eyelid has progressed into something of a complex, serious neurological medical mystery.

The medical team remain uncertain of a diagnosis, and while initially thought to be Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its nerves) he did not respond to treatment, and is about to start treatment for Myasthenia Gravis, - different but much rarer and equally debilitating disease - with hope that it will lead to improvement.

Other medical tests are ongoing and his health continues to deteriorate. At present, Vinnie has significant weakness in his muscles leading to him being barely able to open his eyelids, difficulty maintaining his head position due to weak neck, difficulty sitting up and controlling his torso, difficulty swallowing and some difficulty breathing.

Vinnie now has a naso-gastric tube for food, fluid and medication, is only sometimes able to speak though not as loudly or clearly, is unable to cry or laugh, and requires constant one-on-one care.

With no firm diagnosis as yet, Ainslie and Mitch are doing everything possible to keep things together, but they’re now in a long phase of uncertainty—financially, emotionally, and logistically.

We want to help relieve just one burden: the stress of finances, so they can focus solely on what matters—Vinnie’s health. This fund will support:

• Time off work to be with Vinnie

• Medical and allied health expenses (including upcoming therapy, follow-ups and potential surgery)

• Everyday essentials while their world is turned upside down

We know they would never ask for this themselves, and it’s incredibly important to them that this isn’t attention-seeking or intrusive. That’s why we’re sharing their story with love and respect—quietly rallying behind them as a community.

If you can give—even a small amount—it would mean the world. If you can’t, your thoughts, prayers, and messages of support are just as appreciated. Please share this with anyone who may want to help.

Let’s help give this gorgeous family some breathing space as they navigate the hardest chapter of their lives.

With gratitude,

Friends of Ainslie and Mitch x