COTA for Jacob's Hope

Our Story

Meet Jacob, a remarkable 17-year-old from Central Illinois, whose spirit shines as brightly as the stars in his beloved Star Wars galaxy! Jacob is a master of board games and video games, a connoisseur of popcorn, and a fantastic jokester who can always bring a smile to your face. But beneath his cheerful demeanor, Jacob has been on an incredible journey, battling a congenital heart defect since birth.

Jacob’s heart journey began at just seven days old with his first open-heart surgery. Since then, he’s faced a total of eight surgeries, each one a testament to his incredible strength and positive outlook, rooted in his unwavering faith. He’s a true fighter, always emerging from every hardship stronger than before, trusting in God’s promise from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This powerful verse isn’t just a favorite; it’s Jacob’s chosen confirmation verse, a guiding light in his life.

In June 2023, just weeks after graduating from 8th grade, Jacob faced a significant setback when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a routine procedure, followed by a second arrest just two days later. He worked tirelessly to heal, eventually returning home. He was sent to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for evaluation. In September 2024, he required surgery for his pacemaker. But by April 2025, he ended up in the ER with a fractured pacemaker lead and sent to St. Louis Children’s for emergency surgery. During his recovery, he was evaluated for a dual heart and liver transplant due to his complex heart defect and post-Fontan liver disease (caused by the high pressure to his liver from his unique heart anatomy).

At the end of April 2025, Jacob was officially listed for a heart and liver transplant! He’s currently waiting patiently at home for that life-changing call, trusting in God’s perfect timing. Jacob dreams of getting back on the golf course, keeping up with his brother and sister, and embracing life with renewed energy after transplant. Despite all the challenges, he has maintained his incredible positivity, kindness, and wonderful sense of humor, a true testament to his resilient spirit and the grace of God.

Jacob has faced more in his 17 years than most people do in a lifetime. As Jacob and his family trust in God’s plan, they have asked COTA for assistance. Funds are being raised for COTA for Jacob’s Hope to assist with transplant related expenses. Your generosity, whether through a donation to COTA or by sharing his story, will help Jacob have a healthy future where he can finally live his life to the fullest, a life blessed by you and by God’s healing touch.

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.