The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 24: Kelly Koch
A near fatal car accident left today’s dedication paralyzed from the neck down. After an emergency spinal surgery in her neck via spinal decompression and fusion, she had to learn to walk again, eat again, and function in life again.
In September of 2020, she had a second emergency spinal surgery when disks from the first surgery were pushing into her spinal cord. Just three months after that surgery, doctors discovered a cancereous brain tumor.
December 29, 2020, she underwent an awake brain operation to remove as much of her brain tumor as they could. Her chance of survival was just 10%. However, if she chose not to have this operation, she would not survive more than a month. Following surgery, it was confirmed she had Stage 3 brain cancer – Anaplastic Astrocytoma (Glioma grade 3 tumor). They were only able to remove 50% of the brain tumor or she would have become paralyzed again or potentially would have been fatal.
Kelly reflects back on her journey, “I fought hard and gave cancer hell and never lost faith. Even though I had to learn how to walk again twice as an adult I never felt sorry for myself. I believe moments like these come down to a quote my Papa used to say, “A strong wind makes a strong tree. NEVER GIVE UP. Never give up on yourself, family and God.” – Norman Sobczak. I stayed determined. Were there frustrated tears, yes? Absolutely! But you pick that battle sword back up and keep going until your battle is won!”
Her doctors all keep calling her their “miracle patient” because she keeps beating their medical odds. “I will never give up and I will never lose my faith. I am excited to say that my doctor said that I beat brain cancer,” says Kelly.
Kelly’s mom, Jeannie, is now battling cancer as well and it’s hard to imagine that there could be anyone better in your corner than Kelly, “we are taking care of her as she kicks cancer’s booty too.”
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate day 24 of 32 to a survivor and resilient warrior, Kelly Koch.
Team Murph: 25:45
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website