Update – November 2025

We’re deeply grateful to share that Katherine successfully underwent triple bypass surgery in September. The operation was long and complex, and she spent several days in the ICU followed by time in the cardiac ward. After two weeks in hospital, she returned home to continue her recovery.

Healing has been slower than expected. Katherine has faced infections, breathing challenges, and the daily ups and downs of rebuilding strength. She describes this time as “a dream interrupted” — one that has required patience, courage, and trust. Through it all, her vision remains steady: to return to school this January to complete her counselling training and step fully into the work she feels called to do.

Katherine is now just stable enough to begin the next stage of treatment — a rehabilitation program at VGH, where she’ll focus on regaining strength, mobility, and endurance under medical supervision.

Katherine continues to live with uncertainty, but her determination is unwavering. She writes:

“I’m living with uncertainty all the time, but I’m also surrounded by a beautiful community I’m in deep gratitude for. My hope is to walk into my next chapter full, grounded, and able to hold space for others.”

Your generosity has already carried her through the hardest months — it has been nothing short of life-sustaining. Your kindness kept her safe, cared for, and hopeful when she needed it most, and it has made a real and measurable difference in her recovery.

As she prepares for this next chapter, Katherine still needs help covering the high cost of medications and rent so she can focus her limited energy on healing and returning to school. Every donation and share brings her one step closer to that goal.

Thank you for continuing to walk beside Katherine with care, encouragement, and hope.

With gratitude,

Team Kath

Update – August 15, 2025

We have an important update to share: Katherine’s triple bypass surgery has been scheduled for Friday, August 22.

She will be in surgery for a minimum of six hours, followed by about a week in the ICU before returning home to begin an extensive rehabilitation process. The road ahead will be challenging, but this surgery is the next vital step toward restoring her health.

Katherine wants to express her profound gratitude for the generosity, love, and encouragement she has received so far. Every message, donation, and act of kindness has meant more than words can capture. Your support has already helped her manage essential living costs during these months when she’s been unable to work, and it has given her a deep sense of safety and community during this vulnerable time.

She is looking forward — with hope and determination — to reaching the other side of this surgery and recovery. Katherine is deeply excited to return to her counselling training and move forward with her career, using her experience, empathy, and wisdom to help others.

Thank you for continuing to walk alongside her on this journey. Sharing this campaign and contributing, if you’re able, remain powerful ways to make a difference.

With gratitude,

Team Kath

Katherine’s Story:

Katherine Potter is a dear friend to so many — someone who has always shown up with kindness, strength and generosity. Now, she needs our help.

Over the past year, Katherine has faced a series of major life challenges. After being laid off, she took a brave step toward a longtime dream — returning to school to pursue her Registered Professional Counsellor designation, a path that beautifully compliments her coaching background.

But just as she began building this new chapter, her health took a frightening turn. What started as fatigue and shortness of breath led to a series of medical visits, and ultimately, an urgent diagnosis: heart failure, with a critically low ejection fraction (26%). Further testing revealed severe blockages that cannot be treated with stents. She is now preparing for open-heart bypass surgery — a complex, 6–8 hour operation that is essential to saving her life.

Doctors estimate that Katherine will need at least six months of recovery and rehabilitation. During this time, she will be unable to work. We are hoping to raise $25,000 to help cover her rent, groceries, essential medications, medical care and other daily living costs while she focuses on healing.

This is an urgent and vulnerable time. The physical, emotional and financial toll of recovery is immense — and your support can help provide the safety and stability that are so desperately needed right now. Your compassion can make all the difference.

If you know Katherine, you know how much she’s given to others. This is our chance to give back.

Please consider donating whatever you can — every dollar truly matters. And if you’re not in a position to give, sharing this campaign with your network is another powerful way to help.

Thank you for standing with Katherine on her path to healing.