The Darcy Effect is turning one family’s frightening experience into practical support, education and connection for families across regional, rural and remote Western Australia.

When our 16-month-old son, Darcy, had a tonic-clonic seizure, I found him unresponsive, blue and frothing at the mouth. I began CPR, not knowing what had happened. After another seizure two weeks later, Darcy was flown to Perth with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and we spent two weeks in hospital. Since then, we’ve faced further hospital visits. We’re grateful for the care he has received, including the support of our local doctors and specialist team.

Living through this as a country family showed us how isolating and challenging a medical crisis can be when care is far away. Long distances, limited access to specialists and the demands of family and farm life can make an already frightening time even harder. We also experienced the kindness of healthcare workers and friends and saw how much it matters to feel prepared, supported and connected.

That experience inspired The Darcy Effect. We believe stories can help change health and safety outcomes. Through practical resources, education and community partnerships, we want rural families and schools to have greater access to information, support and peace of mind.

Your donation will help us:

Gift Smileyscope subscriptions to regional, rural and remote hospitals, helping make procedures and hospital stays less stressful for children.

Provide hospital comfort bags with practical items that bring a little familiarity to an unfamiliar place.

Deliver free first-aid education in country schools, using relevant, engaging resources designed for rural life.

Develop practical health and safety resources for families, schools and communities.

We’re building The Darcy Effect as a partner to families, schools, health services and regional communities because healthier, more resilient communities help families feel supported and give children a better chance to thrive, wherever they live.

Every donation helps us take this work further. If you can’t donate, sharing our story can help it reach someone who may need these resources or want to support the cause.

Thank you for helping us bring care, hope and peace of mind to country families.


Kate Mitchell

Find us on Facebook

Instagram: the_darcyeffect

RFDS video

Channel 9 News