COTA for Ayla

Our Story

Ayla was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia (BA), a rare liver disease, at 4 months old. Her liver was too damaged to perform a Kasai, which is a common surgical treatment for infants born with BA. Transplant, we were informed, would be her only option.

The following month, Ayla had her transplant evaluation at Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH) in Kansas City, and on April 30, 2026, she was placed on the liver transplant list. She has experienced a few setbacks since, but the team at CMH is taking great care of our girl.

We have partnered with COTA for assistance with transplant-related expenses, such as out-of-pocket medical care, lodging, transportation, and other expenses incurred as a result of needing a transplant. Ayla will have access to COTA funds as she ages. Our hope is to provide her with COTA support she can use for many, many years to come. A child born with Biliary Atresia is a patient for life.

It would be a blessing and a huge help if you would consider partnering with us by donating to COTA in honor of Ayla. We are also grateful for all prayers sent her way during this time.

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.