COTA for Colton Strong

Our Story

Colton Bruce Cox was born February 11^th, 2009, in Poway, California. “Completely healthy” is what medical staff told us. We brought him home to Borrego Springs, California. In 2013 he became severely anemic and was diagnosed with stage 4 renal failure. We were told that he was below 10% kidney function. We were also told that it was due to a post urethral valve not fully opening which allowed urine to slowly back up over a period of two years destroying his kidneys, as well as damaging his bladder severely. Colton immediately underwent three surgical procedures one on the bladder, which was the installation of a vesicostomy, so that he would be able to drain fully, and the other surgery a port in his belly for supplements, as well as for all the medications that he was prescribed and still takes to this day.

I know that all parents think and say that their kids are special, well Colton truly is. We promise that you could ask anyone in his world, and they will all say the same thing, that he is extremely caring, protective, loving and nurturing to his family and friends. Colton always has a positive attitude, even during extended stays at the children’s hospitals. Colton loves to ride his bike, play soccer, and baseball. He also enjoys the outdoors and “his river” the South Fork of the Eel River in Humboldt County which is where we live now. He loves his school and seeing all his friends. Moving into May he has grown a bit tired and can no longer do these things all the time including school, so we do these things when we can when he feels good.

After he has moved through this kidney transplant this summer, he will continue his education in these beautiful coastal redwoods. We are certain he will become whatever he wants to in this world.  Anything that Colton sets his mind to he will achieve. He is very smart and becoming a beautiful human being.

“Do not be afraid for I have ransomed you, I have called you by name, you are mine when I go through deep waters, I will be with you when you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown when you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up, the flames will not consume you, for I am the Lord Your God”            ISAIAH 43:1-3

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.