Message from COTA President Rick Lofgren

Dear Friend,

As we approach the crisp days of fall, and as school resumes in small towns and large cities nationwide, I am reminded of new beginnings for our country's children and families. My wife is a teacher, and I know how much she looks forward to greeting her new students at the start of each school year ... and to the new hopes and dreams each student brings through her classroom door.

Her feelings of hope mirror ours here at the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) as we meet, and welcome, new patients, families, volunteers and supporters to COTA's family. Perhaps you have heard, or recently read, that COTA is Giving Hope ... Making Miracles. For us, it is not just a slogan -- it is how COTA's team operates each day. Please allow me to share a true COTA miracle story with you from one of our COTA parents:

"Every day I feel like I witness a miracle with Lauren. Her first liver was not a good fit, but it was a miracle it kept working until she could receive a second transplant. During her second transplant, the surgeon told us her bowels looked dusky, but when he opened her up again 12 hours later, her bowels were pink. Truly a miracle. At her six-month transplant anniversary she has had no complications ... another miracle. "

Suzanne Seiders

What a pleasure it is when I read quotes like the one above from a COTA parent who is able to enjoy milestones in her daughter's life -- thanks to friends and transplant professionals like you. Your contributions and support are making a difference in the lives of COTA patients, just like beautiful little Lauren whose miracle is noted above. In the past 22 years, COTA has assisted more than 1,300 patients, and have helped raise more than $48 million for transplant-related expenses.

COTA is committed to making this journey with each of our families -- families who desperately need hope ... and who sometimes receive a miracle. Thanks for choosing to make the journey with COTA, with our patients and with their families. Your support is
truly life-saving.

Rick Lofgren, CFRE
President
Children's Organ Transplant Association

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