Lucas used to love being outside chasing butterflies, swimming and fishing. All that changed when a doctor heard a murmur that was concerning. We were sent to a pediatric cardiologist at WakeMed in 2021 where he thought it was a membrane that had to be removed. In early 2022, Lucas was short of breath, it hurt him to walk short distances. The doctor at WakeMed was more concerned at that time and had us go to the emergency room; then we were transferred to Duke’s University Hospital and Lucas had tests done. The tests showed a condition called HOCM. HOCM is where the heart walls thicken and the blood doesn’t flow the best. He was diagnosed April 25, 2022. He had his heart transplant on July 15, 2023. I am hoping with his new heart he can enjoy being outside again. 

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.