Message from COTA President Rick Lofgren

Dear Friend,

December is the perfect month to tell you how much I appreciate your support of the work we are engaged in daily at the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). As we plow head-first into the holiday season, I am truly grateful for the generous support provided to COTA 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 Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years or other family celebration.

Many of you should soon be receiving the Children’s Organ Transplant Association’s 2009 Patient Calendar and 2007-2008 COTA Annual Report. If you have not received these items by December 31st and would like to have hard copies, please send an email to with your mailing address, and she will send these materials to your home or workplace.

You have likely heard me say 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 one of our transplant parents (and kidney donor):

“COTA has been our guiding light, providing us hope during Kaitlyn’s transplant journey, which has had big obstacles. Without the light and hope from COTA, we would still be struggling to find our way down this path rather than holding our heads high, smiling and making the journey with happy hearts.”

Kelly Cross

What a pleasure it is when I read notes from a parent who is able to enjoy miracles in her family’s life -- thanks to friends, campaign volunteers, professionals, and Miracle Makers like you who allow COTA to continue developing, and offering, our families an array of services. During the past 23 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 Kaitlyn.

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.

Wishing you and your family peace and joy,

Rick Lofgren, CFRE
President
Children's Organ Transplant Association

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