Tipton resident in need of life-saving kidney transplant

With the cost of a life-saving transplant often exceeding $800,000, most transplant families are unable to shoulder that financial burden.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses. COTA works with individuals of any age with a single-gene disorder such as Polycystic Kidney Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, or Sickle Cell Disease.

In Tipton, volunteers are raising funds for COTA in honor of transplant patients like local resident, Nicole May.

May has been diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, and the transplant team at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis recommends a third life-saving kidney transplant. Tipton volunteers are raising $100,000 for COTA to assist with transplant-related expenses.

Volunteers are needed for this COTA community campaign. Individuals and groups interested in more information should contact Community Coordinator Carrie Hagerty at carrie36crawford@gmail.com or (463) 272-5793.

COTA helps transplant families avoid financial devastation. Transplant procedure costs range from $100,000 to more than $800,000. Once the transplant is complete, families face significant transplant-related expenses, including medication, transportation to and from the transplant center, lodging, and expenses while parents are out of work and often living with the hospitalized child far from home. These out-of-pocket expenses add up to tens of thousands of dollars annually for transplant families with lifetime totals often exceeding $1,000,000. In cases where a shortfall exists, COTA helps bridge the financial gap.

May’s family has asked for assistance from COTA. One hundred percent of all funds raised for COTA in honor of patients assist with transplant-related expenses.

Contributions may be sent to:

Children’s Organ Transplant Association
2501 W. COTA Drive
Bloomington, IN  47403

Checks should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Nicole M.” written on the memo line. Secure credit card gifts are accepted online at COTA.org/COTAforNicoleM. You can read more about her story at that link, as well.