Hi, my name is Emily and I’m a 27-year-old female. I graduated in 2018 with my BSN degree at American Public University. I stayed first as a bedside nurse on the medical telemetry unit. I fell in love with it and wanted to pursue critical care training. Unfortunately, my symptoms had become so disabling that I was forced to leave my job and beloved career behind. I was also heavily part of the community while doing food passes, picking up litter, etc. My number one love will always be cross country running. I used to go on a 2-hour run out by the barn with horses and then turn around to head back home before breakfast was even ready. I used to kickbox, rock climb, ski, and so much more. I was full of life, competitive, ambitious, and motivated.

I landed in the ER several times a month for saline infusions or nausea medications as these abdominal pain episodes became more severe and frequent. This continued for a few months until I met my new transplant GI, Dr. Subramanian. She was able to help me gain weight via tube feedings and TPN while also focusing on managing my other diagnoses. I have been told I’ve exhausted all treatment options as a result of my mitochondrial disorder, and that the last lifesaving option is a small bowel and colon transplant which will take place between the end of this year or beginning of 2024. In 2022, my health has taken a major decline from having major open and laparoscopic surgeries, central line infections, and the overall known progression of mitochondrial disease. Without transplant, it’s likely that I would either pass away from organ failure, a central line infection and/or a blood clot. I pictured my life completely differently, but I’m grateful to have met such beautiful people, like you, along this journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity of re-engaging into my life and the things that bring me happiness again.

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.