Kaitlyn Michelle Trusz - Hawley (2024)

Kaitlyn Michelle Trusz, known as “Katie Michelle” to friends and family and "Kait" to her mom, passed away peacefully after a lifetime illness on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. A resident of Woodledge in Hawley, PA, Kaitlyn was 24 years old.

Katie was born in New Milford, CT on February 23rd, 2000, thus creating her first impact to the world by becoming her brother Tyler's first baby sister and her mom's firstborn daughter. She was a Wallenpaupack Area student until her illness continued progressing and eventually prevented her from continuing her educational path along with taking away her childhood dream of becoming a Pediatric ICU or Pediatric Trauma Nurse.

Up until shortly before this final hospital admission, Katie's only form of independence that remained was her voice, but with constant conscious efforts and practice she regained the ability to move her fingers, "phalanges" as she referred them. Katie wasn't bitter or angry nor did she ever want pity or for others to feel her sadness as she was robbed of each of her hopes and dreams. Instead, she would continue to appreciate everything she could do and to spend time with those she loved. Throughout her lifetime, Katie and her family fought for someone to help improve her quality of life and to figure out what her underlying diagnosis was, all with the hopes of potential treatment options and to receive basic necessities.

She was supported by family members and friends, as well as the large online community, all groups that aligned with her multiple complex, unknown, and rare diagnoses, along with her public support group. Her public group initially began after her medical teams in the top pediatric hospitals made the recommendation that she seek care in Minnesota, as it was the last resort option to extend her life. Local businesses, supporters, and a very kind and generous attorney made it possible for Katie and her mom to cover the initial costs to see a couple of specialists. Katie also had some testing completed through donations offered via multiple fundraisers, which was unfortunately necessary due to the limitations of insurance denying any coverage assistance for out-of-state care.

Katie was the most lovable and courageous young woman you would ever be honored to meet. She had a special spirit and was mature well beyond her years in protecting her family from making painful decisions and having those memories even in her final moments. Spring and early summer were Katie's favorite seasons. Christmas and Mother's Day were her favorite holidays. Sloths were her favorite animal, and she had the joy of holding one on her last vacation in 2019.