COTA
Children’s Organ Transplant Association
The road through a transplant is long and difficult, and rarely understood by anyone who has not had the
misfortune of traveling that path. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) strives each day to
make this journey less stressful for each of our families. Giving Hope … Making Miracles is COTA’s guiding
vision. Since 1986, COTA has become the premier organization providing fundraising assistance to families
facing a life-saving transplant. For more than 25 years, families from throughout the nation, representing every
ethnic, economic, religious and social background, have worked with COTA. Today, COTA exists to assist
patients who require a life-saving organ, bone marrow, cord blood or stem cell transplant. COTA works with
any patient who needs a transplant due to a genetic disease such as Cystic Fibrosis or Sickle Cell Anemia, and
all patients 21 and under for any disease complication. COTA guides the family and their volunteers through
every necessary fundraising step, including organizing and training the campaign committee; planning
successful events and activities; working with the media; and finding multiple sources of funding.
If you are a Transplant Family overwhelmed by the financial implications of a transplant –. I can only
imagine how difficult and complicated your life is. COTA cannot promise an organ or tissue match, but we can
share our expertise about how COTA can help build a campaign to raise the funds you will need to give your
child a second chance at life.
If you are a Transplant Patient who knows a transplant is your only hope … I know you are frightened.
COTA is working with hundreds of children and young adults just like you. Find support right now by looking at
their stories documented in their COTA websites. I think you may find a kindred spirit who has walked the path
you are currently traveling and can possibly provide you some comfort.
If you are a Transplant Professional working every day to find resources for your transplant families –
COTA will provide you with information to share with your patients and their families about COTA’s unwavering
commitment to ensure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from transplant waiting list
due to lack of funds.
If you are interested in Volunteering to help COTA families or Making a Contribution to help a COTA
family –Please get involved with COTA today. Make a donation. Volunteer to help a child in your community.
Talk about the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors with your friends and family members. Help us give
hope … and make miracles.
COTA’s services are completely free of charge, and the funds generated by COTA campaigns are available for
almost any transplant-related expense. Please feel free to call us at 800.366.2682 begin of the skype
highlighting 800.366.2682.
Who can become a donor?
You should always consider yourself a potential organ donor. Your medical condition at the time of death will
determine what organs and tissues can be donated.
What organs and tissues can I donate?
Organs include the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissues include corneas, skin, bone,
heart valves, tendons and vessels.
Does it cost anything to donate organs and tissues?
No. Donation costs nothing to the donor’s family or estate.
Is there an age limit for donating organs?
No set age limit exists for organ donation. At the time of death, the potential donor's organs are evaluated to determine
their suitability for donation. Therefore, people of any age wishing to become organ and tissue donors should complete a
donor card. Go to the Web-Site www. cota.org for all the information.
Talk about organ donation with your family, friends and members of your community. By giving just a few moments of
your time, you can help increase organ and tissue donation.
The Workplace Partnership for Life, a campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and the transplant community, calls on corporations, businesses and organizations of all sizes to
share information about organ donation with their employees and promote the opportunity to donate life.
How can your company promote organ donation in the workplace?

Ask a transplant recipient or transplant professional to address your employees or members at a
special gathering or at any organized event. Hearing a personal experience or getting the medical
facts is often the first step in becoming an organ or tissue donor.

Distribute brochures or donor education cards to employees.

Use an educational Web banner on your company Web site. Learn more by visiting
www.donatelife.net.
Remember, one person can make a difference. You can help give hope and make miracles!
Thank you
Rex M. Buchs
Children & Youth Commission