COTA for Ethan C

Our Story

Ethan is an 18-year-old high school senior. He plays varsity baseball and enjoys golf, fishing, poker, and spending time with his family and friends. Like many students his age, he is getting ready for college and looking toward his future. 

In 2019, during a routine doctor visit, Ethan was diagnosed with borderline high blood pressure and proteinuria, which can indicate injury to the kidneys. What first seemed like warning signs led to more testing, labs, and many doctor appointments. Then, two years later, a life-changing diagnosis came when a biopsy confirmed FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis), a rare genetic disease that causes irreversible damage to the kidneys. FSGS is a leading cause of end-stage kidney failure, and there is no cure. Now at Stage 5, a living donor gives Ethan the best chance at the best possible outcome. 

Currently, Ethan is waiting for a transplant. When the time comes, your donation to COTA for Ethan C will help with transplant-related expenses that are not covered by insurance. 

Please consider donating to COTA in his honor and sharing his story. 

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.