Help Katie J and the Dobson Family Through Her Recovery

I’m organizing this fundraiser for my friends JD and Christine and their family as their youngest child, 10 year old Kathryn, known to so many as Katie J, faces a serious medical crisis.

It began with a fever and a bellyache that seemed like a typical childhood virus. That night, Katie J began vomiting blood and was taken to the hospital, where she went into cardiac arrest. For approximately 30 minutes, medical staff performed chest compressions before her heartbeat returned.

Katie J has sepsis, and her body began shutting down. Her doctors suspect the flu may have played a role. She remains on a ventilator as her medical team works to stabilize her body.

There have been encouraging signs: her family has been told that imaging and testing of her brain and heart have not shown lasting damage so far. We are holding onto that hope while understanding that Katie is still critically ill and has a long road ahead.

The Dobsons have deep roots in the South Portland community. Christine has taught in South Portland for more than 25 years, and JD has dedicated countless hours to coaching and supporting South Portland athletic teams. Their three boys have grown up playing school sports, and Katie J has begun following in her brothers’ footsteps as a rock star on South Portland’s first girl’s flag football team.

This family has spent years showing up for other people’s children. Now, we have an opportunity to show up for theirs.

Donations will help ease the financial strain of Katie J’s hospitalization and recovery, including medical costs, meals, transportation, and everyday family expenses, so Christine and JD can focus on being there for Katie J and their boys.

If you’re able, please consider donating. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser is another meaningful way to help. Your prayers, love, and encouragement are deeply appreciated.

Thank you for supporting Katie J and the Dobsons through this incredibly difficult time.