COTA for Dana's Journey

Our Story

Hi! My name is Dana and I am 18 years od. I had my transplants in February 2020. The surgery went very well. I spent time in the hospital and at Ronald McDonald House recovering. I am home now and I feel good. I am going to be finishing high school soon. In my free time, I like to spend time on my phone-visiting with my freinds (remotely) and listening to music. 

I am very thankful for the doctors and nurses who took care of me. I appreciate donations that were received through COTA. It is comforting to know that people care about me. 

About Me: Within a week of my birth, I was diagnosed with Methylmalonic Acidemia. It is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not break down animal fats and proteins. Because of this, I am unable to eat a regular diet and have to get my nutrients through a mostly liquid diet. I am used to this but I do feel left out when other people are eating and enjoying their food. This disease has also affected my organs, so I needed a kidney and liver transplant. I am happy and relieved that the surgery is over now… but I continue my journey. 

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.