Damien Waterhouse’s story....

Damien, Kristy and 3yo Daine have sadly, received the worst news possible. Unimaginable and devastating news. Earth shattering and life changing news.

Damien had been feeling unwell for a few weeks, was admitted to the Townsville Hospital and prepped for explorative keyhole surgery. the Doctors thought it may have been a blockage in his bowel, or maybe Crohn's disease, or at worst, he may have needed a bowel resection... That was Wednesday evening.

On Thursday morning, 20th May 2019, Damien woke from surgery after having 2 bowel resection & to be told that what found was terminal, inoperable and that he most likely won’t see Christmas this year. Damien was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer that’s has metastasis & spread to the Bowel, Liver, Kidneys & Stomach.

This young family, had no reason to have been prepared for this moment. Kristy, a stay-at-home mum, has been focused on raising their only son Daine (aged 3), while Damien has spent the last few years working down south to pay the mortgage, making the regular commute home to spend time with his family. Now, in the blink of an eye, life as they knew it, and everything in it, and everything from this point on, has changed forever. Their hopes, goals, dreams and plans for the future have been shattered.

Within a few hours of being told the devastating diagnosis, Doctors and Social Workers told Damien and Kristy to start discussing funeral arrangements and to make sure their financial affairs are in order.

Still in shock, family and friends jumped in to support the family, yet the battle has only just begun. As many of his friends know, he will not go down without a fight. Plans are being made for modifications to be made to the house so Damien can be as comfortable as possible, and now without an income, it’s overwhelming for them to deal with.

Damien and Kristy, have always been people others could call on, knowing they would drop everything help to those in need. They are honest, reliable, generous, hardworking people who never ask for help.

So those close to the family are asking on their behalf. Those who know and love the young family, and anyone who has a big heart, to help us, help them. Every little bit helps as the family are now without a regular income, we want to reduce the stress of dealing with the mounting bills & general living expenses, so they can share these last precious months together.

While we know paying for a funeral and ensuring Daine and Kristy are able to remain in their family home are in the back of their minds, the priority at the moment is to help them get through the next few weeks so Kristy & Damien can concentrate on their time together as stress free as we all can possibly make it for them.

When I heard the news, I was devastated. We all were and still are.., as both families have already dealt with so much heartache in recent years. Kristy’s mum passed away unexpectedly and suddenly in 2012. No matter how much pain they have already been through, nothing could prepare them for the news they received last week. I literally watched Damien being born and to hear this news I instantly wanted to do something - anything I could to help them.

So how can we help the Waterhouse family?

1. Dig deep, donate as much as you can. Even if it is a few dollars, it all adds up. Feel free to donate a little each week, it all adds up!

2. Share this page - the more people who see it, the better the chance we have to make a real difference to their lives!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!