Hi, my name is Kitty, and Karen Gibbs is my beautiful darling mother.

For the last five (or so!) years, Kaz has been the fierce, beating heart of Young Diggers (YD).

She has poured her soul into checking on, training, and pairing vital assistance dogs with Aussie army veterans and first responders navigating the invisible wounds of PTSD, depression, and all of the difficult repercussions that comes with service work.

She has travelled all over Australia, spoken on the ABC Brisbane, Darwin and Tasmania radio channels, spoken in Parliament, has attended countless army events, and would take time out of every single day to talk to strangers - to raise awareness, and to just check in to see if they're okay. She has always worn her heart on her sleeve, for as long as I've been her daughter, I can confirm that.

Kaz has done this massive, life-saving work more than full-time for at least five years, entirely as a labor of love—remaining essentially unpaid to ensure every possible resource went straight to the diggers who needed it. Her dedication was only made possible through the unwavering financial support of her husband, Jim.

Now, we are asking for everyone who has been helped by Kaz, to please help us help her.

Kaz is currently in the ICU at The Prince Charles Hospital in critical condition following complications from a triple bypass surgery that occured on Monday the 8th of June, 2026. Her condition is changing by the hour, and she is currently facing the terrifying possibility of brain damage. I am taking time away from work to constantly be by her side, and I know she needs me as much as I need her.

As Jim, myself (kitty), and Kaz's other daughter Angelica, sit by her bedside navigating this living nightmare, the last thing we can even think about is how to cover rent, bills, travel, and the incoming wave of medical and rehabilitation costs. In all honesty, we are very low income, and this is a large financial blow to the family. All I am asking for is enough for me (kitty) to make up rent money for the missed work, and to feed Kaz's and Jim's four dogs and one cat, we are NOT using this opportunity to milk any money from anyone; we will only take what we absolutely need. We just need to be by her side, and can't without help from you.

Kaz has spent half a decade selflessly protecting others; please help us out if you can.

How Your Donation Helps:

Relieving Financial Strain: Allowing Jim, Kitty, and Angie to stay by Kaz's bedside without the immediate pressure of everyday living expenses.

Medical & Rehab Support: Preparing for the extensive, long-term care and potential brain injury rehabilitation Kaz may require.

Honoring Her Service: Giving back to a woman who has asked for nothing while giving everything to the veteran and first responder community.

Whether you are part of the Young Diggers family, a veteran who found hope through her work, or someone moved by her immense generosity, please consider donating. If you cannot donate, please share this page.

I will be taking on the responsibility to update this page at least daily so you all can know how mums going. Thank you all very very much.