Katrina's Major Brain Surgery & Jason's Cancer

Katrina Kerkow-Hill is organizing this fundraiser.

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I am a mother of 2 amazing children (Thomas and Lakin) and a happily married wife of 17 years to Jason. Earlier this year, I, like millions of others contracted Covid-19. I have now been diagnosed with Long Covid and a Brain Aneurysm.

The Long Covid has left me unable to work since March of this year, leaving me with severe weakness down my right-side causing mobility issues (requiring the use of a wheeled walker or cane), brain fog (confusion, memory loss, inability to focus), extreme fatigue and breathlessness and has seen me hospitalised 5 times. My symptoms can be so disabling that I am unable to attend social events, undertake everyday tasks and on the worst days are unable to walk, have a shower or get out of bed for days, which has been the case over the last week.

What is Long Covid

My Neurosurgeon has advised that the Brain Aneurysm is serious due to its size, shape and location and requires major brain surgery as soon as possible. The surgery is expected to take between 8 and 12 hours. Unfortunately, due to the Long Covid, I need to become stronger before I can successfully undergo a surgery.

Hence, I am asking for your help. I have consulted with a team of specialists and allied health professionals to build my strength so I can undergo the surgery as soon as I am strong enough. My team consists of my Neurosurgeon, a Neurologist, GP, Exercise Physiologist, Hospital Rehab Unit, Physiotherapist, Psychologist and a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. As you can imagine, the medical costs to regain my strength are huge and we will also need to fund the surgery, rehabilitation following and transportation costs as I will be unable to drive for a minimum of 6 months after the surgery. All of this on top of the daily living expenses every family is faced with at a time when I have been advised to avoid stress. My Neurologist advises I am facing a very slow, long road to recovery, possibly years.

If you can help in any way, by donating or sharing this fundraiser, I would be forever grateful.

I am doing everything in my power so I can continue to be a wife and mother and have life continue as normally as possible for my two incredible children. Thomas and Lakin currently hold 10 Australian National Titles in Kayaking between them and are hoping to compete for Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. They have committed themselves to training 6 days a week for their goals and my goal is to do everything I can to make sure I am here to see them fulfil their dreams.

Earlier this week we were dealt another challenge. Jason has been diagnosed with an aggressive inoperable skin cancer. After a whirlwind of oncology appointments this week, we will know by the end of next week the treatment plan for Jason to undergo. At this stage, we expect treatment to comprise a combination of chemotherapy and radiation or alternatively, immunotherapy, which is not currently offered on the PBS. Either way, Jason is prepared to fight and with his positive mindset and the support of our family and friends, we will get through this next battle together. After all, cancer cannot cripple the love and strength of a family.