Carolyn Rose Frey

Carolyn Rose Frey passed away unexpectedly in her sleep Monday morning January 23, 2023, in her apartment at the University of Cincinnati UPA from a Pulmonary Embolism.

She was survived by her Mother- Jill Frey, Father - John Frey, Sibling - Tracy Frey, Grandmother- Diana Kinder (Tony Martin), Grandmother - Lois Frey, Uncle/Aunt - Ned Frey (Sheila Spica), Uncle/Aunt - Tom (Tara) Kinder, cousins - Brenna Kinder Faulhaber (Brian Faulhaber), Rowan Kinder, Garrett Kinder, and Milo her service dog.

Carolyn Rose Frey - 11/09/2000 - 01/23/2023

Obituary was written by Carolyn for an assignment on Sept. 1, 2022 :

"Grow through what you go through" is a mantra that Carolyn Frey lived by. Carolyn passed away Monday morning due to complications of her chronic illnesses. She was a young determined tenacious creative student. Carolyn was the definition of a well-rounded individual; she had many varying interests and passions.

As a child and teenager, Carolyn was a competitive figure skater; she participated in singles skating and was part of a synchronized skating team. She also was a Girl Scout from kindergarten through her senior year of high school and received her bronze and silver award. She was also an accomplished artist and musician who received many accolades. French horn became a passion of hers when she was nine; she continued to play throughout college. In middle school and high school, Carolyn participated in honor bands, marching band, and concert band. She also received 14 regional and state gold ratings for solos and ensembles. Her true passion was photography. Her work received 16 regional awards, and two national awards, her artwork was a part of national exhibits and was published in a textbook.

Carolyn was a student at the University of Cincinnati. She was majoring in media production, minoring in marketing, and was a university honors scholar. She dreamed of becoming a film editor specializing in visual effects.

Not only was she dedicated to her studies but she was also highly involved in extracurricular activities and worked a part-time job. She was the president of the UC Photography Club. The vice president of The Edge House- a progressive Christian ministry on campus. She was a small group coordinator in CHAARG (Changing Health Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls). As well as being a member of Alpha Lambda Delta National Honors Society, Delight Ministries, IPALs (International Partners and leaders), National Society of Leadership and Success, and Video Production Club. She also was an adventure seeker who loved to travel and experience new cultures.

Carolyn went through many trials in her life but learned to understand that our situations shape us into the person we are supposed to become. She struggled with her health from age 15 and was diagnosed with a multitude of medical conditions. This unequivocally had a momentous effect on her life.

Through her struggles, she learned invaluable lessons. One saying she lived by is "I am not my illnesses, it does not define me, it is just something I have to live with". You are not your situation, it is just something you learn to live and cope with over time. Hard situations can break you, but you can put yourself back together. Listening to your body is showing commitment, and taking time to take care of yourself is being productive. Goals and realities change and that is alright. Go after what you want, and don't let anyone tell you that you aren't able to achieve something. You may be set back or have to learn to do things a new way, but you can still accomplish your dreams and goals! (End of Carolyn's words)

If you want to be inspired by Carolyn's life check out these websites:

- Carolyn's Current website (https://carolynrfrey.myportfolio.com/work)

-"My life is a medical mystery" video Carolyn telling her story of her life with Chronic Illness (https://youtu.be/6WDFFnB_zLE)

- Carolyn's older website including more High School work (carolynrfrey.com)

- Newspaper article remembering Carolyn's life at UC: https://www.newsrecord.org/news/features/there-s-something-beyond-her-remembering-carolyn-frey-the-uc-student-that-passed-in-upa/article_c26c189a-a6f6-11ed-8e47-7b7bbda7352e.html

The visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25th at Calvary Episcopal Church, 3766 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45220. Visitation will be from 1-3 pm and the memorial service will begin at 3 pm.

Memorial Gifts may be sent to:

Dysautonomia International designating "Carolyn Frey Research" using the following website Dysautonomia International (dysautonomiainternational.org). This organization is a non-profit research group that seeks to improve the lives of individuals living with autonomic nervous system disorders through research, physician education, public awareness, and patient empowerment programs. Carolyn had a multitude of medical and chronic illnesses that started in High School. She was diagnosed and lived with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome. They are currently doing research to discover links and indicators for risk of blood clots with POTS, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, and Covid. Carolyn has donated tissue samples from her death to further this research. Please indicate her name on any donation so that it is routed toward this research.

The Edge House (Campus Ministry at University of Cincinnati) 3007 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220: The Edge house is the progressive campus ministry at the University of Cincinnati. This is an amazing community that became Carolyn's family and home at UC. Website (edge-uc.org)

Fort Wayne Center for Learning: This center provided key support for Carolyn to overcome early learning challenges, setting the stage for a remarkable academic career. You may donate by going to fwcl.org.