Jason, Katie and their kids need time together - please help the Watsons - A story of strength & a double lung transplant.
We are on a mission to help the 'Watsons' to manage this really tough time and enable them to make some amazing memories together.
Ōtaki Beach, Wellington
For the past 6 years, Jason has been battling a severe lung condition called sarcoidosis. Devoted father of 3, husband to Katie, Jason has persevered through years of breathing difficulties and countless extended hospital visits.
In 2024, Jason received a double-lung transplant. Over Christmas, things were looking good. Tragically, lung rejection presented along with a sharp decline in health during the holidays.
Both Jason and Katie are on the road of accepting with grace/strength, that it is about quality of life for the limited time that remains for their family. Katie no longer works; WINZ have reduced aid and ACC declined cover from the start even though Jason's condition was developed from regular exposure to concrete dust at work.
Our Friend group wants to ensure that Katie and the kids can visit with Jason in hospital without money pressure. No one should have to be left wondering where they will sleep in order to support their husband in hospital. When Jason can be home, access to the house and the bathroom are 2 issues that need addressing.
If Jason's health allows, there are some 'bucket list' things with the kids they would like to do. Re-confirmation of wedding vows on the beach, the first.
Time is very much of the essence. Treatment options have been scaled back to pain management and anti-biotics.
Any help that you can give will be so meaningful for Jason, Katie and the kids. Creating some memories and hope for a deserving family.
Kia Kaha Watson family
Summer Duncan's involvement (page creator)
A group of us are helping by setting up this page for our treasured friends who need our help:
Use of funds
Updated on 22/01: Any funds will go towards a few things Jason wanted to do for the kids and his funeral.
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Any money raised will go to improving access to the family home and adjusting the bathroom to meet health needs as well as family 'Bucket List' plans. There are also trips to the hospital for the family where financial help will go a long way.
Latest update
Thank You - From the Watsons. 4 February 2025
Emotionally it was a really big decision for Katie & Jason to create a 'Give-a-little' page. Both had been through so much and even still, didn't want to ask for help. Strong kiwis who can survive anything - forever the ethos. It took a smidge of convincing, but we got there, and the page was created.
The absolute blessing for Jason and Katie was to be able to spend time together and read all the comments of support and to feel that connection of love and of care. Knowing that they weren't alone was something that gave peace and a level of gratitude that no words can explain.
Please know that in those final days for Jason, both of them took so much from what each person wrote. Words are so powerful and to have Jason draw strength from them was a true gift.
Your support will go towards things Jason wanted for the kids, and Katie can plan things the way he would have liked.
A huge heart-felt thank you from the Watson family. Forever grateful.
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