The journey of life is rarely traveled alone and our family’s medical journey has been no exception. We are incredibly blessed by the support of amazing friends, family, physicians, and medical staff from all across the United States: Oregon, Maryland, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and so many more. We feel love from all over the world, including very special friends in France and Italy. We love and appreciate you all so very much!
As this journey takes a steeper and more challenging turn, we recognize the importance of having a strong support system to help us navigate it. We’re embracing the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) model, which includes three key roles to assist families like ours. These roles ensure communication and support can continue seamlessly—even when our direct focus is on supporting Kya and Eli. We are honored and humbled to have three wonderful individuals step into significant roles to help us carry the load.
Meet Our COTA Team Leaders
Marsha Ham – Community Coordinator
Marsha will organize and lead the Ham Family support team and COTA fundraising activities. She’s not just our Community Coordinator—she’s also my (Eric’s) mom! Of course, she didn’t have much choice in answering this call (thanks, Mom!). Her love and dedication mean the world to us, and we’re grateful for her unwavering support.
Janieca Hancock – Public Relations Coordinator
Janieca will also assist with organizing COTA fundraising activities, help share updates, and raise awareness about Kya’s and Eli’s transplant journey. The Hancock family are long-time, cherished friends and such a blessing to us. Thank you, Janieca, for taking on this important role!
Matt Thomas – Website Coordinator
Matt will manage updates to the COTA website and social media platforms, ensuring everyone stays informed. As a dear friend and brother to me, Matt is the perfect person to tackle this technical role. He’ll share updates from the Ham family and the team as needed. Thank you, Matt, for your willingness to step in and lend your expertise!
Ideas and Opportunities
We’re deeply grateful for Marsha, Janieca, and Matt, but the truth is, we need more help. Watch for opportunities to get involved or contact our team leaders directly at: cotaforteamham@gmail.com
Your support, encouragement, and prayers mean more than we can ever express. Together, we’ll navigate this climb and continue to hold onto hope for a brighter tomorrow.
With love and gratitude,
Eric Ham and the Ham Fam
T-Shirts!
In collaboration with Creator Designs, Kya and Eli created a special T-shirt! 100% of proceeds go directly to COTA in honor of Team Ham to help us reach our fundraising goal. To learn more about our partnership with COTA and how they support our family and families like ours, check out our recent blog: Let Me Tell You About COTA. You can order shirts HERE or enter at this web address: https://creatordesigns.com/collections/team-ham-a189. Several colors are available in both long and short-sleeved options.
A note about shipping: You can pick up your shirt(s) at Creator in Bolivar, MO for FREE, or have it shipped to you for an additional cost. As you update your order on the website, be sure to verify that your shipping/pick-up selection is accurate (shipping is NOT free). To help minimize your shipping costs, we encourage you to work together (when possible) to organize group orders to ship together to one person in the region you live in. This can bring the shipping cost down to as little as $1 per shirt. Direct donations can always be made at COTA for Team Ham.
Thank you for your support!
