COTA for Audrey

Our Story

Our spunky daughter Audrey Claire is just three years old and is facing a battle no child should have to endure. At just three months old, Audrey was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Phenotype ZZ). It is a rare genetic condition that affects the liver, lungs and overall condition of her health. Despite everything she is going through, Audrey continues to have a smile on her face and dance like nobody is watching. She brings joy to everyone around her even on her hard days. As a family, we are struggling emotionally and financially watching our daughter face this battle. We are navigating frequent doctor and hospital visits and ongoing monitoring.

Unfortunately, over the last few months, Audrey has taken a rapid decline in her health. She has been placed on an NG tube to eat and her body is desperately trying to keep up with a typical three-year-old’s energy which has resulted in her resting or sleeping most of the day. She has been un-enrolled from preschool which she loved dearly. That decision was not made lightly, as a simple cold could send Audrey to the hospital. Ultimately, because of this, Audrey has been placed on the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) Waiting List for a liver transplant. We are incredibly grateful that Audrey was approved for a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World—something that we hope will bring our princess Audrey pure joy and unforgettable memories during this battle. Adam and I want to give Audrey and her two brothers, Maverick and River, the best life possible. We realize that sometimes that requires a village of support. We are asking for support to COTA for Audrey to ease the financial strain of transplant-related expenses, such as medical expenses, travel and time away from work so we can focus on what matters most – Audrey and her brothers. Every prayer, share and donation to COTA means the world to our family. Thank you for helping us support Audrey through her battle. Let’s go Team Audrey! 

Love,

Adam, Shannon, Maverick, River and Audrey

“The Mildenberg Tribe of Five” 

 “She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”-Proverbs 31:25

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.