{"id":14,"date":"2026-05-28T16:36:52","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T16:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cota1.wpengine.com\/cloningsite\/?page_id=14"},"modified":"2026-08-19T15:03:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T15:03:50","slug":"our-story","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforblakestpiatjourney\/our-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For the past six years, Blake has been living with something most people can\u2019t see, but that has affected nearly every part of his life: hereditary chronic pancreatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For six long years, he has had to endure relentless pain, countless days when he was unable to eat, and the fear that comes with the uncertainty of living with a chronic illness. He has had to learn how to keep going even when his own body was telling him otherwise. Through it all, Blake has shown incredible strength and courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

August 18, 2026, marked a life-changing chapter in his journey. Blake underwent what is called a TPIAT (Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation) which is a major surgery where his entire pancreas was removed in hopes of finally freeing him from the severe pain that had been a constant burden for so many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This surgery is not simply about removing an organ. It represents hope. Hope for a life where pain no longer dictates his days. Hope for new memories, new experiences, and a future where Blake can focus on living rather than constantly fighting his illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this surgery was a blessing, the road ahead is not necessarily going to be easy and will carry its own burdens. Beyond the healing process Blake will have to endure, there are expenses that can seem so far out of reach. That is why we have partnered with the Children\u2019s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to raise funds for transplant-related expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our family appreciates YOU and any support to COTA for Blake\u2019s TPIAT Journey that you can offer. No amount is too little\u2014every cent counts! We also deeply appreciate all of the love  we have received from his care teams, friends, and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will be a lot of recovery and adjustment along the way, but after six years of fighting, Blake is ready for this next chapter\u2014a chapter he can finally look forward to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you for your support on this journey to COTA in honor of Blake. Six years of pain. Six years of strength. And now, a new beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although donations to COTA in honor of Blake are HIGHLY appreciated, we understand that times are hard right now for everyone. We want you all to know that a prayer is just as meaningful and beneficial as a donation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A little insight on the COTA mission: <\/p>\n\n\n\n