Kristen Balsis, 28, breathed her last breath on earth and her first in heaven at 6:15 p.m. Sunday, January 19th, 2014. She died at University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by her parents, sister and brother-in-law, cousins and aunts and uncles. For 28 years Kristen valiantly lived with cystic fibrosis, a disease which took soContinue Reading
Kristen Balsis, 28, breathed her last breath on earth and her first in heaven at 6:15 p.m. Sunday, January 19th, 2014. She died at University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by her parents, sister and brother-in-law, cousins and aunts and uncles. For 28 years Kristen valiantly lived with cystic fibrosis, a disease which took so much from her; and yet, she recently told her cousin, “CF has given me patience, perseverance, compassion, and strength.” Kristen was born on December 9th, 1985, in Urbana, Illinois, where she lived until 1993. Her family then moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, until October 2011, when she and her parents relocated to West Lafayette, Indiana. Kristen graduated from Liberty High School in 2004 and Colorado Technical University in 2008, both in Colorado Springs. She worked part-time for several years as an online graphic designer. Kristen enjoyed creating beauty through photos, crafts, and artwork, and especially loved animals. She is survived by her parents, Glenn and Margo (Zeltwanger) Balsis of West Lafayette, IN; her sister Katy (Balsis) and Brett Causey of Colorado Springs, CO; 13 aunts and uncles, and 20 first cousins (including in-laws). In addition to her family, Kristen has been supported in her journey through her online CF community of friends, as well as a host of friends around the world who have loved and prayed for her. She once referred to family, friends, and most importantly, her faith in God as “lifeguards” who helped keep her afloat in the crashing waves of health challenges. A significant Bible passage for Kristen was James 1:2,3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Visitation will be Thursday, January 23rd, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Covenant Church, 211 Knox Drive, West Lafayette, IN. A memorial service celebrating Kristen's life and honoring the God she loved will be held at Covenant Church on Friday, January 24th at 4:00 p.m. Flowers may be sent to the church, or memorial gifts to Compassion International's Medical Assistance Fund at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs CO 80921. Include a note with your check that the gift is for the medical fund, and is given in memoriam of Kristen. Or give online at compassion.com/medical and include a note in the special instructions.
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