The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Bloomington, Indiana, that helps children and young adults who need a life-saving organ,

bone marrow Bone marrow is a semi-solid tissue found within the spongy (also known as cancellous) portions of bones. In birds and mammals, bone marrow is the primary site of new blood cell production (or haematopoiesis). It is composed of hematopoietic ce ...

, cord blood, tissue or

stem cell In multicellular organisms, stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of cells and proliferate indefinitely to produce more of the same stem cell. They are the earliest type o ...

transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA was founded in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1986 and has assisted over 2,200 families with over $75 million (U.S.) raised since that time. Approximately 200 families per year receive assistance annually through COTA. COTA is the only organization of its type that charges no fee for its services and which insures that 100% of all funds donated to transplant-related expenses are used exclusively for that purpose. Any individual under the age of 22, as well as those patients who are older but suffer from a

single-gene disorder A genetic disorder is a health problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome. It can be caused by a mutation in a single gene (monogenic) or multiple genes (polygenic) or by a chromosomal abnormality. Although polygenic disorders ...

are eligible to receive help from COTA. Once engaged, a fundraising team is organized comprising a Community Coordinator, a Webmaster and a Public Relations Coordinator who then recruit other volunteers. COTA provides on-site training as well as unlimited marketing assistance to the fundraising team. Funds raised are donations to COTA, but donated "in honor of" particular patients and funds raised are held in trust for patients until such time as they are needed for transplant-related expenses.

References

External links

Official website
Health charities in the United States Medical and health organizations based in Indiana {{charity-org-stub