COTA for Sofia's Heart Journey

Our Story

Sofia is a bright, spirited 4-year-old who fills every room with joy, laughter, and a little bit of sass. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital heart defect, Sofia has already shown more strength and resilience than most people do in a lifetime.

She has undergone two open-heart surgeries: the Norwood procedure at less than 2 days old and the Glenn procedure at just 4 months old. While many children with HLHS go on to have a third surgery called the Fontan, Sofia’s cardiac catheterization in July 2025 determined she would not be a candidate. This left a heart transplant as the only option for her. After months of outpatient transplant evaluation, Sofia went inpatient on October 29, 2025. On November 10, 2025, Sofia was listed as Status 1A (the highest priority) for a heart transplant.

Despite all she’s endured, Sofia’s personality shines bright. She’s spunky, playful, and full of love. Her smile reminds everyone around her of what true courage looks like.

All funds raised through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) will go directly toward lifetime transplant-related expenses, helping make sure Sofia receives the care and support she needs both now and in the years ahead.

Thank you for being part of Sofia’s journey and for helping us keep hope in our hearts every day.

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.