Kristin Gilles Koch "Spirit for Life" Endowment

This Donor Advised Fund was started in August of 2025 by Kristin’s parents, Steve and Tanya Gilles Koch. The purpose of the Fund will be to permit the Donors, or their Advisors as defined below to make periodic recommendations for distributions to be made from the Fund to qualified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations. The Donors intend for distributions from this Fund to be used to make annual grants to qualified nonprofit organizations that support individuals with disabilities. Such purposes may be accomplished through grants to organizations including, but not limited to: Heart of Morton, Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association, Blessed Sacrament Church and School, Easter Seals, The Penguin Project, TOUCH – The Organization for Understanding Children’s Hearts, Morton High School Best Buddies, TCRC, HISRA – Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association, Make-A-Wish Illinois, and PCD – Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.

The Kristin Gilles Koch “Spirit for Life” Endowment Fund was created to honor a remarkable young woman whose joy, humor, courage, and deep love for others touched everyone she met. Kristin was born with Down syndrome and primary ciliary dyskinesia, yet her challenges never dimmed her radiant personality. She lived with a spirit that lifted others—dancing, performing, laughing, traveling, cheering on her siblings, and showering family and friends with uninhibited affection and positivity.

Kristin passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024, at the age of 31, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of joy, inclusion, and compassion—one her family and community are committed to continuing through this endowment.

About the Fund

Established in 2025, the Kristin Gilles Koch “Spirit for Life” Endowment Fund is a Donor Advised Fund dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through this fund, Kristin’s family will recommend annual grants to organizations whose missions reflect Kristin’s spirit, passions, and experiences.

Grants may support programs and services that promote inclusion, build life skills, foster independence, strengthen families, and bring joy to individuals with diverse abilities. Eligible nonprofits may include—but are not limited to:

• Heart of Morton

• Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association

• Blessed Sacrament Church and School

• Easter Seals

• The Penguin Project

• TOUCH – The Organization for Understanding Children’s Hearts

• Morton High School Best Buddies

• TCRC

• HISRA – Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association

• Make-A-Wish Illinois

• PCD – Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia support organizations

These were communities, programs, and causes woven throughout Kristin’s life—places where she learned, grew, performed, competed, worshiped, and found friendship and purpose.

A Life That Inspired Others

Kristin’s life was filled with extraordinary experiences and extraordinary people.

Her Make-A-Wish encounter with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, her unforgettable years performing in The Penguin Project, her involvement in Special Olympics, and her adventures at Disney parks were all chapters in a life fueled by curiosity, courage, and joy.

She brought warmth, humor, and mischief to everyone who knew her. She adored Disney music, chicken nuggets, chocolate ice cream, and time spent with “the peeps” in Heart of Morton. She loved tap dance, piano, and performing “Tomorrow” from Annie—a song that perfectly reflected her optimism.

Kristin was a source of light not because life was easy, but because she chose joy in the face of challenge. Her family, teachers, caregivers, and friends helped her flourish—and this fund now reflects their deep gratitude and desire to give that opportunity to others.

A Legacy That Will Continue to Shine

Through this endowment, Kristin’s laughter, courage, and “spirit for life” will continue to uplift others for generations. Each grant made in her name will help ensure that individuals with disabilities are welcomed, included, supported, and celebrated—just as Kristin was.

Your gift to the Kristin Gilles Koch “Spirit for Life” Endowment Fund helps continue her legacy of compassion and joy. Together, we honor a life beautifully lived by helping others live fully too.