The Birth of The Jason Program

 The Jason Program began to form 18 years ago in the heart of Kate Eastman. While studying at Bates College, Kate had a vision of creating a hospice program for children in Maine. She began the pursuit of her dream by focusing and intensifying her education, earning a Masters degree in Medical Social Work, a Masters level training certificate in Theology, and a doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology. During her social work training in Texas she met Jason, a teenager dying of cancer. Jason was Kate's greatest teacher. The way his community worked with him and his hospice team served as the inspiration for the Jason Program and its model of community-based care. Before Jason died Kate promised to dedicate her life's work to him. When Kate returned to Maine she met Marie Akin, who became a co­founder of The Jason Program. Marie had also known a boy named Jason who died of cancer and inspired her. Kate and Marie shared their vision and continued to and pursue their dream, eventually creating The Jason Program Team

The Jason Program officially began operations in April 2000 serving four families, and for the first two years was run entirely through volunteer staff and lay leadership. A part time Executive Director was hired in the summer of 2002, and a full time nursing director was hired in January 2003. Currently a part-time pediatrician, child life specialist, bereavement director, office manager and bookkeeper have been added to the Jason Program consultants and staff. Within four years, the Jason Program has emerged as a state and national leader in the field of children’s palliative care and hospice.