COTA

GIVE HOPE

MAKE A MIRACLE

COTA

Dear Friend,

The road through a transplant is long and difficult, and rarely understood by anyone who has not had the misfortune of traveling that path.  The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) strives each day to make this journey less stressful for each of our families.

Giving Hope … Making Miracles is much more than a slogan for our organization – it is COTA’s guiding vision.  Since 1986, COTA has become the premier organization providing fundraising assistance to families facing a life-saving transplant.  Families from throughout the nation, representing every ethnic, economic, religious and social background, have worked with COTA.  Along the way we have shared tears, we have conquered huge obstacles, we have celebrated miracles, and every day, we have hoped.

COTA’s story actually began in July 1985 when Danny and Suzanne McConnell were told their son, David, had biliary atresia (a disease that affects the liver) and would require a liver transplant to survive.  The McConnell’s had no idea how they could pay for such a surgery.  When their community learned of their plight, hundreds of people responded.  Within a few weeks, this community fundraising initiative raised more than $100,000.

Sadly, young David died before a liver became available.  But that was just the beginning of an inspiring story.  The family and volunteers knew there had to be at least one other child who needed the help that David did.  From the goodness of these people’s heart, their hard work, and their collective vision, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association was founded.

Today, COTA exists to assist patients who require a life-saving organ, bone marrow, cord blood or stem cell transplant.  We work with any patient who needs a transplant due to a genetic disease such as Cystic Fibrosis or Sickle Cell Anemia, and all patients 21 and under for any disease complication.  COTA guides the family and their volunteers through every necessary fundraising step, including organizing and training the campaign committee; planning successful events and activities; working with the media; and finding multiple sources of funding.

If you are a Transplant Family overwhelmed by the financial implications of a transplant – click here.  I can only imagine how difficult and complicated your life is.  COTA cannot promise an organ or tissue match, but we can share our expertise about how COTA can help build a campaign to raise the funds you will need to give your child a second chance at life.

If you are a Transplant Patient who knows a transplant is your only hope … I know you are frightened.  COTA is working with hundreds of children and young adults just like you.  Find support right now by looking at their stories documented in their COTA websites.  Click to start reading our COTA Patient Websites – I think you may find a kindred spirit who has walked the path you are currently traveling and can possibly provide you some comfort.

If you are a Transplant Professional working every day to find resources for your transplant families – click here.  COTA will provide you with information to share with your patients and their families about COTA’s unwavering commitment to ensure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from transplant waiting list due to lack of funds.

If you are interested in Volunteering to help COTA families or Making a Contribution to help a COTA family – click here.  Please get involved with COTA today.  Make a donation.  Volunteer to help a child in your community.  Talk about the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors with your friends and family members.  Help us give hope … and make miracles.

COTA’s services are completely free of charge, and the funds generated by COTA campaigns are available for almost any transplant-related expense.  Please feel free to call us at 800.366.2682 or click now to Request Information about COTA.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Rick Lofgren, President 
Children’s Organ Transplant Association