COTA for Kason's Journey

Our Story

Kason’s journey with abdominal pain began very early on in his life. We were always told he was constipated and told to give him more Miralax. At 6 and 8 years old, we rushed him to the ER with severe abdominal pain. The doctor and nurses were convinced it was his appendix. Both times, we left with another diagnosis of constipation. Abdominal pain began to be a normal part of his life that would come and go. Finally at 11 years old at another ER visit for abdominal pain, a blood test was ordered and we heard the word Pancreatitis for the first time. 

After 3 years of him enduring multiple episodes of Pancreatitis, months in the hospital, countless tests, a feeding tube, surgical procedures, and several evaluations on his pancreas, we were referred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Pancreas Division.

This past September we traveled to Cincinnati to have their specialists evaluate his pancreas. Twelve different doctors agreed that Kason has a chronic condition and that his pancreas is failing. They recommended that Kason undergo a life-changing 12-18 hour surgery to hopefully end his long-term health battle with pancreatitis. We were told that on December 30, 2021, he will a TPIAT (Total Pancreatectomy Islet Auto Transplantation) surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, which removes his pancreas, spleen, appendix, gallbladder and part of his intestines. Unfortunately due to multiple factors his surgery day was rescheduled to March 15th.

The procedure included extracting the islet cells, which produce insulin, from his pancreas and transplanting them into his liver in hopes they will produce insulin there. Based on previous surgeries similar to Kasons, the doctors expected that we would be in the hospital for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. While the recovery period was long, Kason stayed very optimistic this procedure will help end his chronic pancreatitis and will allow him to enjoy a life without chronic pain. Little did we know that he was going to do so well that the doctors allowed us to be fully discharged in ONLY 4 WEEKS. His recovery has been smooth and we couldn’t have prayed for a better outcome. We feel so blessed that this is our outcome. As of April15th, Kason and Jodi began making there trip back to KC from Cincinnati and we are so happy to have them home!

Since this surgery carries with it significant expenses – not only for the procedure, but for a lifetime after with recurring visits to Cincinnati and a lifetime of medications– we have partnered with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). 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.

Please consider donating to COTA in honor of Kason. Our family also appreciates any support you can offer with upcoming COTA fundraisers. 

Thank you for your support of COTA on behalf of our son.
We want to thank all of our family and friends who have agreed to give their time to help us achieve our COTA fundraising goal. Thanks, especially, to our coordinators, Harmonie Hawes, Shelby Bowen, Denay Barnhizer, Bonnie Lussier and Debi Ward for your added commitment. We love you all and could not get through this difficult time without you.