Balancing Education and Health

Balancing Education and Health

For many college students, choosing a school is a life-changing decision. For some, like Koryn Bakken, this decision was made with the challenges of navigating a medical condition.

Koryn was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and potentially life-threatening disease. HLH causes the immune system to go into overdrive, attacking the body’s tissues and organs. In Koryn’s case, doctors detected the condition shortly after birth. At just seven months old, she underwent a life-saving bone marrow/stem cell transplant.

Though the transplant saved her life, it left Koryn with a weakened immune system. This meant that she would need ongoing medical care throughout her life, as her immune system would struggle to fight off infections on its own. This reality became a critical factor in Koryn’s decision-making process when the time came to apply to colleges.

Wartburg College stood out for its strong education program, which was exactly what Koryn had been looking for. It was more than just the academic offerings that made Wartburg stand out. Waverly Health Center (WHC) was located just minutes from the college campus, providing Koryn with easy access to the outpatient medical care and treatments she would need because of her compromised immune system.

“Koryn has had to navigate challenges that most students don’t even think about,” said Karla Bakken, Koryn’s mom. “As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. Being near Waverly Health Center gives us peace of mind. We know she’s not far from the support and resources she may need, especially as her health is a constant consideration in her daily life.”