COTA for Dierks

Our Story

Dierks is 17 years old, an age that should be filled with late nights with friends, big dreams for the future, and making memories that last a lifetime. Instead, he’s been facing something far bigger than most teens ever have to: stage four chronic kidney disease.

Despite everything, Dierks continues to show incredible strength, resilience, and heart. Through doctor visits, treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with his diagnosis, he’s stayed determined and hopeful for what’s ahead.

Now, there is a light at the end of this difficult road.

Dierks is preparing to receive a life-saving kidney transplant, and his donor is his mom, Ashley. In the most selfless act a parent can give, Ashley is stepping forward to give her son a second chance at a healthier, fuller life.

As you can imagine, this journey comes with overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. Between medical expenses, time away from work, travel, recovery, and ongoing care, the costs add up quickly.

We’re asking for your assistance to help ease the burden on Dierks and his family so they can focus on what truly matters, which is his healing and recovery.

Every donation to COTA for Dierks, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. If you’re unable to give, sharing this page and keeping Dierks, Ashley, Drew, and his entire family in your thoughts means just as much.

Thank you for being part of Dierks’ journey and helping give him the future he deserves. 💚

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.