Message from COTA President Rick Lofgren

Dear Friend,

“Even though our insurance covered many of the expenses associated with our son’s bone marrow transplant, there were some huge expenses that were not covered including the search for a donor. We wondered how we could afford such a search. Through COTA and the generosity of so many, we were given hope when a life-giving donor was found in time.”

Rosie and Steven Gonzalez, Sr., Parents of Steven

I do not think I can ever adequately thank you for your support of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) and our work on behalf of transplant-needy children and families, like the Gonzalez family of Texas. Perhaps this family’s words demonstrate to you how important your support of COTA programs and families truly is.

“Giving Hope … Making Miracles” This phrase truly highlights the work COTA does on behalf of transplant families who desperately need the support we receive from friends
like you. My thanks goes out to each of COTA’s Miracle Makers who have helped us give hope and make miracles in all corners of our country -- even during these challenging economic times.

During a time when many of us are finding it hard to support our favorite charities, COTA will likely serve more than 120 new patients and their families this year alone. COTA’s families’ transplant-related financial needs continue to increase (up about 10% over last year) at a time when financial donations are decreasing, in general, nationwide. When making your personal giving decisions, I hope you will remember two key tenets -- COTA does not charge patients for its services, and COTA ensures that every dollar contributed in honor of patients is used for transplant-related expenses.

As we face numerous challenges and obstacles on behalf of our patients on a daily basis, it is heartwarming to read messages (like the one above from Steven’s family) all because of friends, and Miracle Makers, like you. The hope you provide helps to make miracles for those families who are unable, for whatever reason, to help themselves.

Thank you,

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

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