Message from COTA President Rick Lofgren

Dear Friend,

Spring is a time for new beginnings.  As I look out my window at the beautiful daffodils that sprinkle the landscape of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) office, I am reminded of the renewal of life.  Each flower reminds me of the life that is renewed when one of our patients receives a transplant … and receives a second chance at life. 

After more than 25 years of service, I am humbled by the more than 1,800 transplant families COTA has touched over those years.  I am reminded of moments shared with COTA parents who are often struggling with the most difficult time of their lives … and the joy they feel when they learn their child has been successfully transplanted.

During these days of new beginnings, I want to share this note from a COTA mom and dad whose daughter received a kidney transplant, and a second chance at life: 

“With the help of COTA, our volunteers were organized, motivated and well trained on how to raise funds to help with transplant-related expenses.  This gave us tremendous hope as we started Ella’s transplant journey, and continues to give us hope today -- and will well into the future as funds will be available throughout Ella’s lifetime.”

Everett and Michelle Hafenrichter, Parents of Ella

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 Miracle Makers like you who allow COTA to offer our families hope for the future.  With your ongoing help, COTA continues to make a significant difference in the lives of our patients, like Ella.

If you want to learn more about COTA and our families, please visit our website at www.cota.org and click on ‘Find a COTA Family’.  The need is great, and you can truly make a difference in the lives of our children.  I encourage you to send a note of support on a patient guestbook … read a story about how a family overcame huge obstacles and trials throughout their child’s transplant journey … volunteer to help a family in need … or make a life-saving gift.

Thanks for continuing to support COTA families.  Your support is truly life-saving and provides a new beginning for these patients and their families.

Thank you!

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

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