BRAVER than most adults, Mitchell Luders will be a force to be reckoned with when he enters his teenage years on Sunday.

The young Gladstone local is back in town to celebrate the big 13, taking the weekend to escape from cancer treatment in Brisbane.

Mitchell has been undergoing aggressive treatment for almost four years, after relapsing three times.

But this weekend is about celebration, with Mitchell enjoying the day with his closest mates.

Described as "one of the most inspirational and determined young men I have ever met" by the Cirson family, the birthday wishes are flowing in fast and thick from all corners of our local community:

* You and your family never cease to amaze me with your strength, drive and tenacity under continued adversity.

We wish you every happiness and success, and may this be the year that sees the cancer leave your body once and for all, so that you can be the person you were meant to be.

Shine on Mitchell.

Love, the Cirson family.

* We all hope you have a wonderful birthday. Welcome to the teenage years buddy.

Lots of love and high fives, from Lochie, Deb, Jasper, Richie and Nate.

* Happy 13th birthday, Mitchell! Have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends. You are a very special person, a great buddy and an inspiration to us. Love and best wishes, Mrs Virginia Blake, xxx.

Happy birthday Mitchell! You are our hero, xx.

Love, the Donohoes.

* Welcome to the teens! You now have permission to sleep in late, stay up late. Irritate your parents. Drive your sister insane. You a such a special person and you are going to be an amazing teenager.

Happy 13th birthday mate, may your teen years be a better adventure.

All our love, Hunter, Mackenzie, Amanda and Pinchie.

* Mitchell, your strength and courage is a true inspiration to all of us. We wish you a very happy 13th birthday and can't wait to see you again soon.

All our love, Cindy, Dion, Sam, Max and Stella the dog.

* Happy birthday Mitchell, can't wait to celebrate many more to come. Love, the Harrold family.

* My son William, and Mitchell spent their first 12 months together in Brisbane during their battles with their individual cancers.

We have known Mitchell and his family for six years and the strength and fight Mitchell has in him, with the ongoing support of the community, is phenomenal.

William and our entire family are wishing him the very best on turning 13, and hope your teenager celebrations will be as awesome as you are.

All our love, William, Debbie and the entire Middleton/Dudley family.

* Here's sending you the biggest, brightest happy birthday wishes I can!

You are a teenager now! Along with that comes some big kid duties. How cool! I sure do miss doing diving games with you.

I know you have had a tough time my little buddy, but to me you are like a real life warrior going into battle against the evil enemy.

You inspire others to try harder, did you know that? That's powerful! Love you my cousin. Have a fantastic day, xxx. Tracey Moore

* Happy 13th birthday for Sunday. Let's hope it's as good as last year's. Much love from Sandy (Cindy), Hugh and family, xxxx.

* Happy birthday Mitchell! Wishing you a wonderful day full of good times, great fun and loads of presents.

You truly are an inspiration. From Mr King, your Year 7 teacher.