When 20 weeks in utero, we were made aware that Alaya had a congenital heart defect, Tricuspid Atresia in specific. She was born on April 7th, 2021, at St. Joesph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. The medical plan for her was to have 3 procedures that would essentially make her heart functional, however her condition began to get worse over time. At about a week old, it was determined that she needed a heart transplant and was care-flighted to UF Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. The medical staff at Shands came to the realization that Alaya’s heart condition is very complex. This ultimately resulted in a procedure to attach a Ventricular Assist Device (Berlin Heart) to stabilize her until the time of transplant. Alaya is feisty like her mom and very head strong like her dad. Even with a breathing tube in, every nurse and doctor nicknamed her feisty, she lets her presence be known. Overall, Alaya is a fighter! She shows her strength and courage everyday as she awaits on her new heart. Thank you such much for donations to COTA in honor of Alaya, the Gentry family is beyond grateful.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.