Brandon was born on January 8, 2005 to Michael and Julie Nolan of Cooper City, Florida. Brandon was born two months early and weighed only 4lbs-5ozs. Brandon was diagnosed at birth with end stage Renal Failure and it was determined that Brandon would need a life-saving Kidney Transplant when he was big enough. Doctor’s told Brandon’s parents that he would have a very long road ahead of him and that they would be lucky if he survived his first year of life. Brandon has been a fighter from day one. He has endured multiple surgeries, tons of medications and required nightly peritoneal dialysis for two years. Brandon and his parents met with the top five pediatric Transplant facilities in the country. Although there is a lot involved in transplanting a child out of state, they decided to do the surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. Both Michael ( A Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Ft. Lauderdale) and Julie were tested to see if they could be the donor. It was determined that Julie (Brandon’s Mom) was a perfect match. On August 27, 2007, Doctors at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania performed a life-saving kidney transplant.

With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, many transplant patients are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. 100% of donated funds are used to assist with patients’ transplant related expenses. If you wish to donate your time, expertise or a monetary gift towards the COTA campain in honor of Brandon, this website will provide the opportunity to do so. Tax-deductible contributions to COTA can be made in any one of the following ways. Simply Click on the “GIVE NOW” tab above for secure credit card transactions. Alternatively, checks or moneyorders may be mailed directly to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN. 47403. Checks and moneyorders should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Brandon Nolan” written in the memo line.

Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising activities. Individuals and groups interested in more information can contact Brandon’s campaign coordinator Jamie Zehnal @ 954-806-5047. Thank you for your SUPPORT!!!

For updates on the Nolan’s click on blogs.