COTA for Miaya's Journey

Our Story

Meet Jamiaya: Jamiaya was born on September 11, 2010, and from the very beginning she has been a bright light in every room she enters. She is a brilliant, kind-hearted, and outgoing young lady with a personality that draws people in. Whether she’s laughing with friends, encouraging others, or stepping up as a leader, Jamiaya carries herself with confidence and grace beyond her years.

She has always been incredibly smart and determined. School comes naturally to her, and she takes pride in doing her very best. Outside of the classroom, Jamiaya shines just as brightly. She is a softball star who loves being on the field, competing, and building strong friendships with her teammates. When she’s not playing softball, you can find her dancing. She loves to dance – it’s one of the ways she expresses her joy and vibrant personality. Whether it’s learning new moves or just dancing for fun, it always brings a smile to her face.

In November 2024, everything changed. Jamiaya suddenly became very sick. For two long and difficult months, doctors worked tirelessly to determine what was happening to her body. It was a season filled with uncertainty, hospital stays, countless tests, and many prayers.

In late December 2024, Jamiaya was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA) with Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS), a rare and serious autoimmune condition that causes severe inflammation throughout the body and can quickly become life-threatening if not treated aggressively.

Since her diagnosis, Jamiaya has shown incredible strength and resilience. Even on her hardest days, she continues to fight with courage. Her beautiful spirit, determination, and faith remain strong as she prepares to undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant … a critical step toward giving her body a chance at healing and long-term remission.

As we walk through this transplant journey, support of any kind will be deeply appreciated, including to COTA for Miaya’s Journey. Contributions will help with transplant-related expenses such as travel, meals, and the many unexpected costs that come with long hospital stays and recovery. Most of all, your prayers, encouragement, and sharing her story mean the world to our family.

Jamiaya’s journey is one of bravery, hope, and unwavering strength. We are believing for complete healing, restoration, and many more days filled with softball games, dancing, and the bright future she deserves.

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.