Kristen’s journey has been a profound testament to resilience and determination. At just 12 years old she underwent her first heart transplant, a pivotal moment that set the stage for years of ongoing medical challenges. For the next 12 years, Kristen faced relentless hospital visits and doctor appointments, including a terrifying heart-rejection episode at 20 years old that was so severe she had to be put on a ventilator. Luckily, she was able to pull through and her transplanted heart surpassed expectations, lasting two years longer than anticipated before beginning to fail. The situation became critical, requiring the insertion of an aortic balloon pump to sustain her heart’s functions. Now, at 24, Kristen has undergone her second heart transplant, making her the youngest patient in the Cardiac ICU at the time, and is navigating a tough road to recovery. Despite these trials, she has embraced significant milestones, marrying just two months ago and recently graduating with a cosmetology license. Kristen finds joy in her life with her new husband and their adorable puppy, Ruby. She delights in practicing hair, spreading happiness and beauty for others wherever she goes. Her story is one of immense courage and perseverance, embodying the strength to overcome life’s hardest tests. As Kristen faces this new chapter, we ask for your support in her time of need. Please consider donating to COTA in honor of Kristen to help cover the significant ongoing transplant-related expenses. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in Kristen’s journey toward health and hope.

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.