Message from COTA President Rick Lofgren

Dear Friend,

I have often heard it said that, "Gratitude is the best attitude." As we prepare to step into the holiday season, I am truly grateful for the generous support provided by thousands of volunteers and contributors ... support that directly benefits our patients. Thank you for your ongoing willingness to share what you have to ensure that children and young adults receive a second chance at life -- and a chance to enjoy another Thanksgiving celebration with their families.

Many of you should soon be receiving, via mail, the Children's Organ Transplant Association's (COTA's) 2009 Patient Calendar and COTA's 2007-2008 Annual Report. If you would prefer, you can also find these documents at www.cota.org. If you have not received a copy of our calendar and annual report by December 1st, please send an email to with your mailing address, and she will be happy to send these materials to your home or workplace.

You have heard me say before that we are promoting the phrase, Giving Hope ... Making Miracles. At COTA, this is not just a 'slogan' -- it is the guiding vision that directs our daily work with our transplant-needy families. To demonstrate how COTA's team of professionals helps to give hope and make miracles, please allow me to share with you an excerpt of a letter written by the dad (and kidney donor) of one of our transplant children:

"COTA provided Gabriel a website, which allowed friends and family to keep track of our family's progress throughout the transplant. This communication provided immense support for us, and hope for the future."

Don Broghammer, Father and Kidney Donor

What a pleasure it is when I read notes from a parent who is able to use one of our tools to its fullest extent -- thanks to friends, volunteers, professionals, and Miracle Makers like you who allow COTA to continue developing, and offering, our families an array of products and services. During the past 22 years, COTA has assisted more than 1,300 patients and has helped raise nearly $50 million for their transplant-related expenses. With your help, COTA continues to make a significant difference in the lives of our patients, like Gabriel Broghammer, who is one of our 2009 calendar kids.

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.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Rick Lofgren, CFRE
President
Children's Organ Transplant Association

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