February 18, 2025

‘Love finds a way’ – a bond that overcame decades of separation

Stephen Watts

After more than 40 years apart, Jeanne reunited with her lost love Stephen Watts while Stephen was in a nursing home following two strokes, an amputation, and a period of time spent unhomed on the streets of Chicago.

In 2021, Jeanne brought Stephen home with her. The following year, they got married.

The BBC World Service covered their story on the Outlook Podcast in November 2021, detailing how Jeanne’s decision to get back in touch with Stephen – and her persistence in getting ahold of him despite obstacles along the way – was a “decision that changed life forever” for both of them.

Their community turned to Help Hope Live in 2023 to help fundraise for a few major upgrades to their home that will allow Stephen to more fully access his environment and the outdoors.

We were excited to hear from the BBC again in February 2025 with a request to re-share the iconic 2021 interview with a few new updates from Jeanne and Stephen, including their need to fundraise.

full story

2025 update

Written by Emily Progin

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