COTA for Malinalli

Our Story

Hi, my name is Malinalli Cortez, and I am currently 2 years and 8 months old. I was diagnosed prenatally with a congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). This October, my parents enrolled me on the heart transplant list as I wait for a new heart. My heart has undergone several surgeries and is currently supported by a pacemaker. I also have a G-tube that helps me take my yucky-tasting medicine, and my mommy uses it to feed me when I’m feeling sad. When I get sick or have too much fun, I sometimes need extra oxygen support. During my early surgeries, my vocal cords became paralyzed due to intubation. Thankfully, they have recovered enough for me to eat and drink my daily meals. I am so proud of myself for being strong and brave throughout this journey!

Although my family has supported me every step of the way, my heart is beginning to struggle as I grow. I have developed bilateral pulmonary artery stenosis and elevated filling pressures, which have made my planned Fontan surgery no longer feasible. Because of these complications, a heart transplant is now my best path forward.

While we wait for my new heart, my mommy will soon need to stop working so she can stay by my side and care for me during my hospital stay. This will create a significant financial burden for our family as we manage everyday expenses and the costs associated with my care. My mommy has also been supporting my older sister, who is currently attending the University of California, Davis, and my other sister, who is working toward completing her high school diploma. My daddy also has some health issues that have restricted him from working a lot. He has given me lots of cuddles and kisses while Mommy works and is the breadwinner for our family. 

Any amount you can contribute to COTA for Malinalli truly makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. The hope is that with your contributions to COTA, it can alleviate some stress on my family and allow them to focus on taking care of me. If you are unable to contribute financially to COTA for Malinalli, continued thoughts and prayers are also equally valued and needed! Thank you, and God Bless!”

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.