In memory of Katrina Watson - unforgettable in the best of ways
For the last 13 years of her too-short life, Katrina battled breast cancer in one form or another.
In 2012, she overcame Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), the most common type of breast cancer, the one most people are aware of & can detect via lumps.
Then, in 2018, Katrina was diagnosed with Stage 3 aggressive Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC). Although ILC is the second most common form of breast cancer (~15%), most people don't know that it exists, let alone that it does not form lumps. Katrina had been having annual scans since 2012. Yet, in 2018, she needed a double mastectomy as both breasts were filled over 75% by this invisible killer that most methods for cancer detection struggle to detect.
So, no oncologist could ever tell her it was gone as they couldn't detect it until it started doing serious damage somewhere in her body.
Even after multiple rounds of chemo & radiation, it never died - it simply disappeared for a season. Katrina continually had to undergo treatment whenever the disease reappeared by attacking different organs in her body. By the time she passed on, the disease had infected her head, stomach, bowels, liver, bones, arms, legs, and who knows where else.
In December 2024, Katrina decided she wanted to do something so that women, in particular, would be aware of this killer hiding in the shadows. She engaged with various cancer support groups in the US and Australia/NZ that focused on raising awareness of lobular breast cancer, hoping it would lead to funding for improved detection & treatment methodologies.
Sadly, the disease flared up from that point, almost as if it knew what she was doing.
Over the last 9 months of her life, Katrina spent far too many days in hospital receiving ineffective chemotherapies or having procedures every 2 weeks to drain 6-10 litres of ascitic fluid the disease kept producing.
To honour both her life & her passion for change, we would like you to consider donating to the McGrath Foundation. During the many years that Katrina was receiving treatment, the McGrath nurses at the Mater Hospital were always incredibly caring & supportive.
Katrina's will includes a donation to the McGrath Foundation.
I am sure she would also prefer that you make a donation to the MF instead of buying flowers & cards for her celebration day.
$5.04k
Anonymous
$520
Anonymous
$520
Maurice & Renelle Fowler
A heart felt “Thank you Bree & Corinne” for your exceptional care of our beloved K. Keep doing what you do best. Blessings, R & M
$420
Gordon & Helen Robertson
In memory of our beautiful daughter. Always in our hearts 💕
$316.50
Byron Smith
Love ❤️ u k
$263.75
Brenton, Sue & Max Harris
May your smile and light shine on.
$263.75
The Cuff Family
May Katrina's passion for technology & innovation be the spark that leads to great advances against this disease.
$260.75
Elise & Pete
My darling friend, what a legacy you leave. You never stopped advocating, to ensure those that come after you get the best possible care xx
$257.75
Anonymous
$158.25
Stephen Forder
$158.25
Anita Anderson
My gorgeous friend, thank you for sharing your light and grace with me. In my heart forever xx
$158.25
Ruth Devereux
Let’s kick cancer’s butt!
$158.25
Karyn Dwyer
With love x
$158.25
Julie And Mike Cantwell
My earthly heart is sad that you are gone from my eyes - but my spiritual heart rejoices that you are now safe and well in the arms of the Father.
$106.12
Rose & Graeme Blanch And Family
To our beautiful friend Katrina. Treasured memories of our Yandina times.
$106.12
Kylie Hickling
Your 5000 watt smile is a new star in the skies!
$106.12
Alison & Chris Neve
Loved our precious time with you and Michael. With love from Chris & Alison
$106.12
Helen Robertson
Katrina, we promise to keep your passion for life, travel, adventure (and dogs!) alive in hearts always. Helen & the boys xxx ❤️🐾
$106.12
Anonymous
$106.12
Anto Estelle And Caleb
Thank you for all the light you brought to this earth for all that you did in silence because of you a lot of people had better tomorrows keep shining bright in the sky and dancing with the angels till we meet again 💕
$106.12
Ann Dunbar
My hope is that this money helps in the research of this insidious disease ! Eternal rest Katrina xx
$106.12
Peter Holmes
I’m going to miss you. You were part of my gang. We shared friendship and understanding as we went through highs and lows in life together. I’ve gained strength from how you lived and died, walking through all of it with Jesus in your heart and by your side. I will always remember you, and draw joy and strength when I do.
$106.12
Ash And Dan
We are so grateful for the time we shared with you. Shine brightly in the stars, our friend.
$103.72
Christina Larter & Bill Granger
For a beautiful young lady who always had a smile
$103.72
Anonymous
$95.90
Anonymous
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Lucy Cameron
Your legacy is enormous.
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Carmel Crathern
In honour of Katrina, keep shining your beautiful light!
$54
Emi Scott
$50
Anonymous
$43.60
Grace Briggs
Katrina, fighting battles until the very end, may your legacy live on. 💕💐💕💐💕
$35
Anonymous
$33.15
Anonymous
$27.81
Kylie C
You will always be an inspiration.
$27.81
Meg Parker
To my beautiful friend who no doubt is dancing up a storm in Heaven right now!
$22.58
Anonymous
$22.58
Shaylee Beaton
Let’s find a cure to this awful disease
