5/17/01 — Lindsey is admitted to the Cleveland Clinic and is placed on the Heart Transplant waiting list.
5/20/01 — I meet with Mary from social services at the Cleveland Clinic to discuss fundraising for Lindsey’s transplant. After reviewing the options, we decide to work with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for assistance with transplant-related expenses.
June 2001 — We kick off the local COTA campaign with an initial organizational meeting at our home church. Roughly at the same time, a local Antique Car Club (Lake Erie Classics) adopts Lindsey as their own and set up several car shows to benefit COTA for Lindsey F.
7/23/01 — Dara and I have a news conference announcing the COTA fundraising campaign. Our day is filled with TV and newspaper interviews. Later that night, literally at the stroke of midnight, we receive the phone call from Dr. Lane from the Cleveland Clinic—informing us that they had found a suitable heart for Lindsey.
8/1/01 — Lindsey is discharged from the hospital and is allowed to stay at the nearby Ronald McDonald House for the following week. She goes back and forth to the hospital for tests and office visits.
8/8/01 — Lindsey is allowed to go home. A local company donates the use of a stretch limo and Lindsey comes home to a hero’s welcome. She is greeted by fire trucks and ambulances as we reach the city limits.
