We are trying to raise money for COTA in honor of Desi, a 14-year-old who just received a life-saving kidney transplant.

Desi’s kidney health challenges were first noted on a camping trip to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim in the Fall of 2024. He was having difficulty walking and in a lot of discomfort – his feet were giving him extreme pain, but he continued to join in the family activities as best he could. When they returned home to Tempe, a foot and ankle doctor determined that his growth plate was separating. After many blood draws, he was referred to a pediatrician who diagnosed chronic kidney disease leading to kidney failure; he was then sent immediately to an Emergency Room and remained at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital for ten days. During this time, it was found that he had had this kidney condition since birth.

Since this diagnosis, his treatment has included dialysis at home overnight which allows him to continue attending school daily.

Desi enjoys playing the trumpet in the school band and jazz band and often has solo parts at school concerts.

Desi’s family has reached out to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA for short) for help and support with transplant-related expenses. Our goal is $50,000 for COTA for Desi.

Any donations made to COTA for Desi would be greatly appreciated!  All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. COTA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that has helped families over the past 40 years reach their goals.

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.