Caroline Kessler

Over the next few weeks we get to celebrate some of PUDM’s members as the Riley Kid of the Week! This week we are celebrating Caroline Kessler. Caroline is a junior at Purdue studying Human Development and Family Sciences. She is from Lafayette, Indiana. Caroline has been a Riley Relations committee member since she joined PUDM in 2022. She is currently a family captain for the committee.

Read this to learn more about Caroline’s story; “On November 18, 2020 I was lifelined to Riley Hospital because an unknown virus was attacking my heart, lungs and kidneys. This virus left me in critical condition and the Riley PICU became my home for the next month. I was on a ventilator that helped me breathe and also an ECMO machine that would oxygenate the blood outside of my body and then put it back in. Because of the incredible team at Riley, I was able to recover and resume my normal life. I do still have some “invisible” medical issues related to my illness and have a great team of Riley doctors that I see regularly. I will be forever grateful that Riley saved my life!”

Caroline joined PUDM her freshman year of college because she was looking for a club that aimed to help others and she couldn’t think of a more perfect fit than PUDM. She loves getting to give back to the hospital that saved her life and she loves that she has met some amazing friends through this organization.

Caroline loves playing Yahtzee with her family, doing puzzles, coaching and teaching dance, playing with her dogs, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Caroline also makes the most incredible homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Riley Relations and PUDM would not be the same without Caroline’s sweet heart. Caroline not only makes us all smile and laugh but her story has taught us so much about what we do and how to be brave, strong, and intentional in all we do. We love you, Caroline!