My mom received some sad news yesterday during her annual check-up to MD Anderson. While she is in good health, and we are SO grateful for that, we were saddened to learned the man who was pivotal in her treatment and recovery passed away last month. I have fond memories of Dr. Koller because he was kind, compassionate and fought for my mother to have her transplant, even when the other physicians had told her no. He is a big part of why she is here today, so I feel a great weight of sorrow that he succumbed to a disease that he treated and cured so many from. Thank you Dr. Koller for helping my mother, for being a crucial part of our family for the past 14 years, and thank you for helping so many others. We send you our love to you and to your family and can’t thank you enough for ways that you have impacted our lives.
“Charles A. Koller, MD., 64, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born December 16, 1948, in Akron, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree from The University of Michigan; and his medical degree from The Ohio State University.
Chuck joined the faculty of the Leukemia Department at MD Anderson in 1986. He was a frequent participant in the HPD Bicycle Relay Team, raising awareness and funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As someone who cycled to work every day, these long distance trips combined his passionate work toward a cure for leukemia with his enthusiasm for cycling.
Not only was he a dedicated, compassionate physician, Chuck was an inspiration to his family and friends. Chuck is survived by his wife, Paula Bottecelli; his five children, Sarah, Paul, David, Rachel and Leah; his parents and four siblings.
Donations may be made to Charles A. Koller Endowment for Leukemia Clinical Fellowship, M.D. Anderson Department of Leukemia, c/o Mary Silverstein, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Box 428, Houston, TX 77030
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