COTA for Team Jimmy

Our Story

The past six years have been challenging, all COTA funds raised in honor of Jimmy have almost been depleted. The thermometer shown does not reflect the current balance in honor of Jimmy, it shows the amount of funds raised over the past six years. Doctor visits, medication copays, out of pocket maximums, health insurance premiums, and many other hidden costs associated with cystic fibrosis have been assisted with by these COTA funds.

Jim Krause, now 38 was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth. Cystic Fibrosis is a degenerative, hereditary and chronic disease. Cystic Fibrosis in the past has slowly eroded Jim’s lung function to a meager 21%. Lung function that low is like an average person breathing through a cocktail straw for air. Things like walking up a flight of stairs, or walking through a grocery store rapidly became insurmountable tasks. Those who suffer from Cystic fibrosis have thick mucus clogging their lungs this leads to recurring lung infections throughout their lives.

Jim suffers frequent pulmonary infections, progressive lung damage and scarring caused by a micro resistant bacteria called MRSA. Cystic fibrosis also impacts the digestive system as well and has caused many hospital ER visits and stays over the past six months . He suffers from excruciating stomach pain due to small bowel obstructions and bleeding in his small bowel and colon 

Even with health insurance, the cost of Jim’s medical regimen remains high. The out of pocket costs related to cystic fibrosis are enormous .  Doctor visits and medication copays, out of pocket maximums, health insurance premiums, and many other hidden costs, and the costs associated with hospitalizations are a part of living with cystic fibrosis. 

Jim is a loving husband to Erica. He enjoys cooking, attending George Mason University and being a healthcare advocate. Jim has made three trips to Capitol Hill to visit with senators and their staff advocating for affordable and accessible healthcare for those suffering from cystic fibrosis and other health conditions 

~ You have no idea, this is the most important moment of my life. I’m so happy my dream of taking a full, deep breath is rapidly coming to fruition. ~ Jim Krause

Doctors recommended Jim use the organization COTA, a 501(c)3 charity. COTA serves as the administrator of the funds, only to be used for transplant and medical costs associated with cystic fibrosis. COTA helps with those costs for the lifetime of the patient.