Born in 2003, Nikki was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. She required a lifesaving heart transplant. On July 15, 2017, Nikki had her heart transplant. While this is wonderful, the journey is far from over. Transplants are very expensive as well as the procedures and drugs for rejection and maintenance. She is now considered stable, but the doctors must keep a close eye on her to make sure it stays that way. Nikki will have to do this for the rest of her life. Nikki currently goes to clinic once a month. In addition, she requires a biopsy every 3 months, but sometimes she needs them sooner if her meds or levels change. They also have appointments with neuro and other specialists. They average about 3 trips a month to Children’s Hospital.

Nikki is a fun loving 16-year-old teen from Prattville, Alabama. Nikki attends school and likes to play video games in her spare time. Nikki is the daughter of Penny Jones.

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.