Proud mum Jo Wagner has paid tribute to her courageous daughter Kate in a heartfelt letter to TV vet Chris Brown which he read out during Telethon.
During the recent Telethon 2025, a touching moment unfolded as TV vet Chris Brown read a heartfelt letter from Jo Wagner, honoring her daughter Kate Wagner, who tragically passed away at the age of 16. Kate’s battle with a serious medical condition ended in July after enduring 18 months at Perth Children’s Hospital, where she underwent approximately 30 surgeries and close to 100 scans.
A Lasting Impact
In her letter, Mrs. Wagner expressed profound gratitude for the support provided by the hospital staff, particularly during Kate’s most challenging moments. She recounted a visit from Dr. Chris and his therapy dog, Murphy, just weeks before Kate’s passing. Despite receiving devastating news about her condition and suffering severe pain, Kate’s spirits lifted as soon as the pair entered her room. “You made her feel special, important, and seen — not just as a patient, but as a friend,” Mrs. Wagner wrote. “That day was pure joy for Kate and for all of us to see that true smile and spark back in her eyes.”
The emotional journey of Kate’s illness was marked by both heartbreak and moments of unexpected joy. Mrs. Wagner highlighted the role of the PCH staff, stating, “They didn’t just provide medical care; they gave Kate fun, kindness, love, and most importantly, the strength to survive and thrive in incredibly tough times.”
Making Dreams Come True
One of the most memorable moments came when hospital staff fulfilled Kate’s wish to attend her Year 11 dance. Just a month before her death, they arranged her outfit, hair, and make-up, allowing her to leave the hospital for a few hours. “It was amazing that they could possibly have got her out. Not only that, she felt like a true princess, just like a normal 16-year-old should,” Mrs. Wagner told The Sunday Times.
Kate was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation, a serious brain defect, and although she underwent surgery, she faced numerous complications, including meningitis, during her extended stay in the hospital. Despite these challenges, her positive spirit endeared her to staff and fellow patients. “She just seemed to have touched so many people and given strength to so many people,” Mrs. Wagner reflected. “I just don’t get how she did that, because she was probably most often the sickest person around.”
As Telethon 2025 continues to raise awareness and funds for children like Kate, the legacy of her courage and the compassion shown by the medical community resonate deeply with all who were touched by her story. Through the trials she faced, Kate Wagner’s spirit remains a beacon of hope and inspiration.
