Kaitlyn Michelle "Katie Michelle" Trusz

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.
Even when Katie was in her worst struggles, she put on the biggest smile and pushed her pain away to help those she loved or she felt needed support in some way. Katie thought only of others and, despite the extent of how much she experienced throughout her short time here, she remained loving, kind, and the biggest cheerleader for others. Katie remained positive and hopeful that she would one day be well enough to complete her bucket list, and to spare her family from the pain of her passing.
Close family was everything to Katie and she had a huge family that she loved so much! Katie was loved by her parents, Amber Bassett and Clinton Lamfers of Hawley and Joseph Parrella also of Hawley.
She grew up in the biggest of households as Katie had seven siblings. She was the little sister to Tyler and Josie and the best big sister to Nicholas, Ashley, Lauryn, Locke and Zayden. Some of her favorite memories with them were family dinners with lots of talking and laughing, baking, and all the day-trips they would go on.
Katie will be greatly missed by her grandparents Don and Wanda Bassett and Judy Trusz, whose lives she lit up with her contagious smile.
Katie will be deeply missed by all of her extended family: Susan Brown her Aunt; along with her Aunt Kristie and Uncle Joseph Johnson and their children Autumn, Ariana and Anthony; Donald Bassett (her Uncle Doodle), Tim Bassett, and his daughter Juliette; Kate Cyganuk her Aunt; Grandma Lucy Parrella and all of her children; along with her chosen added family - Jacqueline Mead, Felicity and Vance Quick.
Katie Michelle was loved by her long-time boyfriend, Steven Lunn.
When you smile and think of Katie Michelle, remember her saying "Use your smile to change the world; don't let the world change your smile!"
To honor Katie's lifetime legacy and memories, the following arrangements chosen by Katie and planned for by her family will include:
A Visitation that will be held on Tuesday, May 14, from 5 to 8 PM at Teeters' Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St, Hawley, PA, followed by a private cremation at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel.
A Celebration of Kaitlyn's Life will then be held at Teeters' Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, May 22, beginning at 12:00 noon, with the eulogy and sharing of memories beginning at 2 PM.
If you are unable to attend and would like to share a special memory or how Katie has positively impacted your life, please message "Support Katie Michelle" Facebook page.
*Katie has requested that everyone wear colorful celebratory attire at this time.*
Her hope was that, though she knew her family would be heartbroken, that they could celebrate her life.
Kaitlyn would have wanted donations to help support her family with the funeral expenses. Donations can be made via Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-katie-fund-for-funeral-expenses?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook or via Venmo at https://venmo.com/u/Amber-Bassett-1978