COTA for Rylee

Our Story

Rylee came into this world already showing incredible strength. She was born at 36 weeks with VACTERL association, a rare condition that affects multiple body systems. From the very beginning, we knew her journey would be anything but ordinary.

Rylee was born with only one kidney, which is multicystic and has very little function. Because of this, her medical team knew immediately that she would require dialysis shortly after birth. Rylee spent 130 days at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, fighting, growing, and proving how strong she truly is.

In her short life, Rylee has already undergone 9 surgeries, with more expected as she continues to grow. She has been on nightly dialysis since she was just two weeks old, a routine that has become part of her everyday life but is not something any child should have to endure.

We have now been referred to the kidney transplant team and have officially begun the transplant process, working through evaluations and medical clearances. Due to Rylee’s unique anatomy, her doctors strongly recommend a living donor, which allows for careful planning and gives her the best possible chance for a successful transplant.

As we continue this journey, we are actively searching for a living kidney donor while also preparing for the transplant-related expenses that come with this process. It would be a tremendous help and incredible blessing if you would consider partnering with us by donating to COTA in honor of Rylee.

Rylee is more than her diagnosis — she is resilient, brave, and deeply loved. Thank you for taking the time to learn her story, for rallying around our family, and for being part of her fight toward a healthier future.

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.