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Katie Update — August 18, 2026

In support of
Katie (Kohlbush) Lynch

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O LORD, God of my salvation,

I cry out day and night before you.

Let my prayer come before you;

incline your ear to my cry!

Psalm 88:1–2

Katie has now passed the two-month mark at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. A few weeks ago, the doctors encouraged her to make her hospital room feel a little more like home. The AI image above shows what the room might have looked like if we had fully taken their advice. For those who know the Kohlbush family, you know we have a rather unusual fondness for taxidermy.

This past week was more difficult than expected. Katie was having increased back pain, so another MRI of her spine was done. It confirmed substantial damage from the cancer, including several compression fractures. The most serious is at T3, where the vertebra has lost about 80% of its height and is pressing slightly into the spinal canal. Thankfully, there is still no evidence of damage to the spinal cord itself. At this time, the neurosurgeons are not recommending surgery, but Katie remains very fearful about the possibility of becoming paralyzed.

There was also some encouraging progress yesterday. Before chemotherapy, Katie got out of bed and walked about 30 feet down the hallway with a walker and the assistance of physical therapy. After so many weeks in bed, it was a wonderful sight to see. Afterward, she was able to get outside in a wheelchair and enjoy some lovely sunshine and a breeze.

Monday afternoon Katie received her third round of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The plan is for her to move to an acute rehabilitation center within the next few days, where she will spend about two weeks working intensively on walking, strength, and mobility, including three hours of physical therapy each day. She will need to wear a spine brace anytime she is upright. The hope is to get her strong and stable enough to finally return home.

Katie is still very fearful about what her future holds. Psalm 88 has felt particularly appropriate this week. It is a prayer from someone in deep darkness who does not pretend that everything is okay, but who continues to cry out to God.

Please pray:

For minimal side effects from this round of chemotherapy.

For continued progress in physical therapy, that it will be safe and that Katie will see significant gains in her strength and mobility.

For emotional and spiritual well-being for Katie and for all of us as we continue walking through this with her.

Thank you for continuing to pray for Katie, Nate, and our entire family.

Scott Kohlbush
12 days ago

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Comments

Jenniem 12 days ago

We are praying for you Katie. Tim and Jennie McDonald

Kathy Miller 12 days ago

We pray multiple times a day for you, Katie! Thank you for the very specific ways to pray and for the updates!💜

Cjarrettag 12 days ago

Continuing to pray, Katie 🙏 Sending you all my love ❤️❤️

Debbie Rivas 12 days ago

Praying for your daughter.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Mr.slo 12 days ago

Katie, great news to hear you were able to got out of bed and walked about 30 feet down the hallway. We continue to pray for Our Heavenly Father to give you and your family steadfastness of heart and mind knowing He is walking with you through this journey. Paul and Susan Connect Class AG Bible church

Debra Roberts 12 days ago

Praying for you al😔l! You are so unbelievably strong, Katie!! Sending you big hugs from Arroyo Grande, wishing more rays of sunshine upon your face and may God’s grace hold you tight every second of this journey🫶🏻.

Jeanne Kohlbush 12 days ago

Thank you all for your wonderful support and love. Jeanne.

Denise Davis 12 days ago

Psalm 91, too long to post it all, but I pray Katie, Nate, and her family may find their rest under the shadow of the Almighty. Verses 1 and 2, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD (Yahweh), “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” I pray you all find hope, rest, love, peace, and comfort in the mighty hands of our loving Savior. He is the Great Physician. I pray you trust Him for the outcome, no matter how scary it seems at the moment. I’m sending all of you my love. I pray for Katie, and all of you throughout the day each and every day. Please give Katie a very gentle hug.

Kellybeyag 12 days ago

Sweet Katie - sending you lots of love and prayers. Kelly Bey

Jeffrey Kaar 12 days ago

Thank you for update! We continue to pray for Katie, Nate and entire Kohlbush family. Jeff Kaar

Stephanie Kleinsmith 11 days ago

Thank you so much for continuing to take the time and effort write these updates for us all when you have so much on your plate -it really appreciated and not unseen the time and emotional capacity you take to do this. Still standing with you all in this incredibly difficult time always.

Karen Miller 9 days ago

Wow, that is the most impressive hospital room I have seen! I continue to pray for your chemo treatments, PT, God's peace & comfort for all. I am especially praying for Katie's back issues. Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me , and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

Susan 3 days ago

Sending love and prayers to sweet Katie, Nate and family.🩷

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