Message from COTA President Rick Lofgren

Dear Friend,

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here at the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), we celebrate this holiday not just to mark another ‘Hallmark event’ but because it represents the love we each have the ability to share. This includes registering as an organ or tissue donor to help children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant.

Valentine’s Day is universally symbolized by hearts, and I want to share this note from a COTA mom and dad whose son received a life-saving heart transplant:

“TJ’s entire story is a miracle. On a seemingly routine trip to the ER to address possible dehydration from the flu, our healthy toddler nearly died as we watched. Since that evening, we have witnessed miracle after miracle with TJ. Thanks to COTA and his amazing transplant team, we are home and our boy is thriving.”

Randy and Lori Wilson, Parents of TJ

What a joy it is when I read notes from parents who are able to enjoy miracles in their family’s life -- thanks to friends, volunteers, professionals, and committed volunteers like you who allow COTA to continue giving our families hope for the future. With your help, COTA is making a significant difference in the lives of our patients, like young TJ.

If you want to learn more about COTA and our families, please go to www.cota.org and click on the ‘Find a COTA Family’ link. The need is great. Make a donation, send a note of encouragement or just read a story about how a family overcame huge obstacles with their child.

Thanks for choosing to make the journey with COTA, with our patients and with their families -- your support is truly life-saving.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Rick Lofgren, CFRE
President, Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA)

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