The heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs are all vital organs in the human body. Unfortunately, they can sometimes experience failure at an early age, leading to various health challenges. In 2020, more than 1,700 children received life-saving transplants and currently, according to OrganDonor.gov, there are 1,900 children on the national transplant waiting list. “When parents first hear a medical diagnosis for which a transplant is the only chance of survival, they need a strong supportive network of family and friends to not only help them emotionally, but also financially,” said Ryan Gallagher, Executive Director of Development for the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). “No insurance plan covers all transplant-related expenses, which are significant. Transplant costs vary tremendously based on a number of factors but can cost between $250,000 to over $1 million. These costs do not include family needs such as lodging, food and transportation during the transplant stay. Additionally, post-transplant medications and medical care costs often add up to more than $10,000 annually. Very few transplant families have the resources to meet these tremendous financial demands. When faced with the burden of a child’s potentially fatal diagnosis, most families need help.” Help is exactly what COTA provides. Based in Bloomington, Ind., COTA is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing financial assistance and support to families with children in need of live-saving transplants. COTA helps these families by organizing fundraising campaigns, community events, and mobilizing volunteers to cover transplant-related expenses such as medical bills, travel costs and post-transplant care. The organization aims to alleviate the financial burden on families facing the challenges of pediatric organ transplants, fostering hope and support throughout the transplant journey for both the children and their loved ones. “For over 40 years, raising more than $160 million, The Children’s Organ Transplant Association has been assisting transplant families across the country, remove the financial burdens to life-saving transplants,” Gallagher said. “Currently, we are serving 48 children throughout central Indiana. We’ve been able to serve every child that has come to us, we just haven’t been able to get in front of every child that needs us. Which is how the Cicero Kiwanis Club and other organizations like yours can help, by spreading the word about COTA and our services.” To learn more about The Children’s Organ Transplant Association go to cota.org.