Kelsey Koch, a former Ball State University psychology major who had been suffering from a rare gene mutation called DOCK8, died Wednesday at 5:17 p.m. at the National Institute of Health in Maryland due to complications relating to the disease.
Tammy Koch, Kelsey Koch's mother, said she and her family are doing surprisingly well considering what they have just been through.
"I think on her Facebook page she said something about being a world changer. She wanted to change the world and I think in a lot of ways she saved a lot of people spiritually," Tammy Koch said. "NIH is just in awe of her and they're going to do something special for her, which is incredible because it's such a large government facility."
Kelsey Koch's sister Karly Koch is also battling the disease.
Tammy Koch said Kelsey Koch donated her body to NIH in hopes it will provide new knowledge on how to treat DOCK8 to help others who suffer from the disease, including her sister Karly.
According to a blog kept by her parents, Kelsey Koch was moved to an intensive care unit Jan. 31 due to low blood pressure and a need for oxygen.
The disease, combined immunodeficiency associated with DOCK8 mutations, has symptoms including chronic sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and skin infections, according to The New England Journal of Medicine.
The gene mutation can be treated or cured through blood stem cell donations, but the family has yet to find a match even after years of searching.
The blog, set up by her parents, is full of comments from supporters offering condolences.
Amy Cordes posted on the blog even though she does not know the Koch family. She said she follows the family to gain understanding of the disease.
"I will continue to pray for you and your family as you celebrate and grieve for Kelsey. In particular, I will pray for peaceful, deep sleep for you; and dreams full of Kelsey - happy, healthy, and whole - dancing with the angels," she said on the blog site.
Services for Kelsey Koch will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Union Chapel Ministries at 4622 N. Broadway Ave.
Additional Links:
Dancing Through the Rain blog: http://kjkdancingthroughtherain.blogspot.com
Past Daily News and Ball Bearings articles about Kelsey and her sister Karly:
http://www.bsudailynews.com/news/community-helps-student-with-rare-genetic-disorder-1.2084544
http://www.bsudailynews.com/sisters-still-searching-for-a-match-1.2227189
http://www.ballbearingsonline.
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