“You are a candidate for a liver transplant.  Given your age and health, I recommend that you get one.”  As a single adoptive mother of an only child with needs of his own, this was devastating news for Tene.  Tene’s focus for years has been on raising her son and doing her best to ensure he has a full and meaningful life. She realized in that moment that life as she knew it would never be the same.

In June 2022, doctors found several lesions on Tene’s liver which they thought might be cancerous.  Gratefully, the lesions were not cancerous, but the June 2022 findings ushered in a new reality for Tene, one filled with medical appointments and tests.  These tests culminated with doctors recommending Tene as a candidate for a liver transplant.  Tene’s son depends on her, but others depend on her too.  Tene is a mentor to many and a confidante to friends in need.  Also, those who know Tene well, know that her commitment to public service runs deep.  Tene is at the beginning of her transplant journey.  However, she has a long journey ahead with lots of medical appointments and the enormous task of finding a liver donor.  Tene needs our support.

As Tene was getting educated about what would be required of her in the transplant process, she was made aware of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA).  Fortunately for Tene, despite what its name suggests, in addition to helping children who need transplants, COTA also provides support for adults like Tene who need a transplant because of a genetic disorder.  

Every morning, Tene centers herself for this journey by reminding herself about the power and goodness of God.  She asks God each day for the strength to fight to be here for her son.  Although Tene is a fighter, she can’t do this alone.  She needs support and we are so grateful for any support you can give.

COTA works with individuals of any age with a single-gene disorder 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 families. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free of charge and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.