COTA for Olina

Our Story

Eight-year-old Olina’s story is one of extraordinary courage. In 2024, she was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease, Stage 4. This past summer, after a long wait and many prayers, she received a kidney transplant. Sadly, in July 2025, the transplant failed, and Olina was once again thrust into the fight of her young life.

Today, Olina spends every other day at Children’s Mercy Hospital, undergoing life-saving dialysis. Each treatment is exhausting, but she faces it with the bravery of a child who still dreams of playing, laughing, and learning like any other second grader.

Because school attendance isn’t possible, her mom, Kendra, has become her teacher as well as her caregiver, creating lessons at home, building routines around hospital visits, and doing everything possible to keep Olina’s mind and spirit engaged while taking care of Olina’s three siblings. The sacrifices are immense, but so is the love.

We are inviting you to come alongside this family in prayer and encouragement. Please pray:

• For a new kidney to become available quickly

• For Olina’s self-esteem to remain strong as she navigates the challenges of her illness

• For her mental health and emotional resilience to carry her through each day

Olina’s journey reminds us that even in the hardest battles, faith and community can carry us forward. Thank you for lifting her up and standing with her family.

Our family has partnered with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for assistance with transplant-related expenses. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of Olina helps our family meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTAare tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.