Sometimes we receive personal stories from our partner charities that are incredibly touching, ones that remind us that we truly can make a difference. The following story, sent to us by Rick Lofgren, President of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, is one of those stories…
Giving Hope … Making Miracles
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is using this phrase throughout 2008 as a way to recognize the work we do and to acknowledge the support we receive from organizations like Operation Kids. Over the past year, COTA’s work has been literally life-saving. Here is one story about a COTA family who has experienced one transplant miracle… and is now waiting for a second.
Brayden Saunders (10) and Trevin Saunders (8) are from Huntington, West Virginia, but are currently living in a small apartment in Durham, North Carolina. The reason for their temporary relocation: side-by-side cord blood transplants last summer at Duke University Medical Center. Over a year ago, Martin and Gina Saunders were told their sons had an extremely rare genetic immune disorder called Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP) only known hope for beating this disease, a bone marrow or cord blood transplant. One transplant, with a price tag of $300,000, is financially crippling for any family, even those with adequate health insurance. The Saunders, however, must multiply everything by two.
Martin and Gina will be sharing their story soon…
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