COTA for Co

Our Story

Meet Cohen! A funny, caring, 7-year-old boy who loves sports, music, and Sonic. You would never know by looking at him that he is in need of a life-saving liver transplant. At 2 months old, Cohen was diagnosed with idiopathic giant cell hepatitis. He and his body have been fighting liver disease for the last 7 years. In July of 2024, he began becoming out of breath quicker than an active 7-year-old should be. Walking up the stairs he became short of breath. Running to 1st base exhausted him. For 6 months we tried various treatments from asthma to steroid treatments, until in January 2025 he was officially diagnosed with an irreversible diagnosis of Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) – a rare complication arising from his existing liver disease. The only cure for HPS and worsening oxygen levels … a liver transplant. This was difficult news to hear and to accept. 

Shortly after receiving his secondary diagnosis, the McCartys began their journey to listing with Lucile Packard, Stanford Children’s Hospital. Cohen is currently listed for transplant and awaiting either a deceased donor or a match for Living Donor. When the time comes for Cohen’s surgery, the McCartys will have to relocate to Palo Alto for 3 months minimum for the surgery and post-surgery care for Cohen. There will also be annual trips needed back to California to see his medical team. 

A note from the family: “We trust in God’s plan for Cohen. We trust that He is good, and His plans for Cohen are good. We may not currently see the light through the storm, but we have faith we are not alone in what lies ahead. Jesus loves Cohen, and is gracious in his gifts of immense courage and strength.” 

#couragelikecohen

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.