When Kate Hansen holds her two-year-old son Harley, she knows just how miraculous their journey together has been.
A journey marked by extraordinary medical challenges and a refusal to accept limitations.
The Ray White Altona senior property manager and business development manager has faced more adversity than most could imagine, yet her resilience has transformed her into one of the industry’s most inspiring success stories.
“I’m a stubborn five-foot Leo,” Kate says.
“If someone says I can’t do it, I’m determined more than anything to prove them wrong.”
Kate’s career in property management began in 2009, where she quickly progressed from receptionist to business development manager and senior property manager.
However, her life took a big turn in 2013 when a severe car accident left her in a coma for 12 days.
“I had to learn how to walk and talk over the next two years,” Kate explains.
“The doctors told me that I would never walk or talk again, let alone work in my industry again.”
As a Type 1 diabetic since age three, the accident exacerbated her health issues, leading to kidney and pancreas failure.
Kate spent seven and a half years on dialysis before receiving a life-saving double transplant in 2019.
“My transplant isn’t a cure. I know that eventually things will go south again, but I just do my best to try and maintain what I’ve got and be forever grateful,” she says.
Passion for property management
Despite her health challenges, Kate’s love for property management never wavered.
She returned to the industry with Ray White Lara in 2021 before conceiving what she calls her “miracle baby.”
“It’s the people aspect, helping people,” Kate says.
“Whether it’s helping someone from a rental provider side of things in terms of getting the most out of their investment, or helping renters who are having issues.”
Her commitment to service is evident in her approach to problem-solving.
“I literally took over a property this week where they’ve had no heater for four months, and I got it fixed within four hours.
“I just like helping people that are in dire straits.”
A mother’s determination
Kate’s journey to motherhood was also fraught with challenges.
Pregnant with twins, she lost one baby, Blake, in the second trimester.
Her surviving son, Harley, was born extremely premature at 27 weeks, weighing just 800 grams.
“He was 23cm long at birth and would literally sit in my bra,” Hansen recalls.
“Now he’s 12kg and doing so well. He eats more than I do.”
While Harley spent five months in the neonatal intensive care unit, Kate completed her diploma in real estate, becoming a licensed agent despite suffering a stroke that affected her vision.
“I studied for my diploma with one eye.
“The NICU nurses would call me ‘pirate mom,'” she says.
As if these challenges weren’t enough, Kate was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after recovering from her stroke, requiring additional surgery.
Finding her place at Ray White
After taking time off for maternity leave, Kate returned to work this year with Ray White Altona as senior property manager and business development manager.
“I just really love the Ray White group. They’ve been phenomenal,” Kate says.
“I have memory issues and I don’t use my hands the way I used to – I can’t feel them.
“But I’ve found Ray White very supportive and a great organisation.”
The Altona office is just seven kilometres from her home, allowing her to maintain the work-life balance that’s so important for her family.
“I’m very happy to be a working mom,” she says.
“I’m very happy with the structure of where I am and the franchise that I’m a part of.”
Advocacy and future goals
Beyond her professional achievements, Kate is passionate about raising awareness for organ donation through her Facebook page, “Donate for Kate.”
“When I got sick, there was no one I could relate to. I was 25,” she explains.
“I do a lot of advocacy work for organ donation and kids in general.”
Her ultimate goal is to one day open her own agency.
“I’ve always wanted to open my own agency or become a principal and a partner in an agency,” she says.
For now, Hansen continues to inspire those around her with her positive outlook and determination.
“There’s always someone worse off. That has always been my motto,” she says.
“You’re allowed to have bad days, but you’ve just got to keep pushing forward.
“I’m just very grateful.
“I’ve got to honour my donor and their family by making the most out of life and keep proving that I was worthy of the transplant.”
