COTA for Mason's Journey

Our Story

Mason and his twin sister, Melody, were born 6 weeks early, causing them to spend the first month of their life in the NICU. Mason was diagnosed with a rare life threatening disease called Biliary Atresia at 9 weeks old.  He underwent an emergency surgery (the kasai procedure) in hopes of buying him more time before requiring a liver transplant. His first year of life was quite rough, fighting several bouts of colongitis, with multiple life-flights to the bay for treatment. At 4 years of age, he was then diagnosed with varices, portal hypertension, as well as an enlarged spleen. On August 7^th, 2023, Mason had a Varices bleed, resulting in the need of an emergency banding. With his liver disease progressing, the decision to list Mason for a liver transplant was made by his medical team. Through it all, Mason has remained head strong and courageous, giving strength to his family, friends, and all who know and love him.

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.