Letter to the Editor

Give the gift of life to a child

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Dear Editor:

No matter what your religious heritage is, or your current practice, December is a month of giving. We give to charities so we can reap tax benefits … we give our time to help those less fortunate … and some of us exchange gifts to celebrate the holidays.

This December, please consider giving a child the ultimate gift: A second chance at life.

The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is dedicated to giving hope and making miracles for the thousands of children and young adults who are waiting for organ and tissue transplants … waiting for their second chance at life. During the past 23 years, COTA has assisted more than 1,300 patients and has helped raise $50 million for transplant-related expenses.

But this holiday season, COTA needs your help. As part of your December "To Do" list, please become an organ donor. In addition, encourage your friends, family members, neighbors and associates to take three simple and life-saving steps: sign up to be an organ donor through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or donor registry, express this wish to family members during holiday gatherings, and carry your organ donor designation card at all times.

Thousands of children are spending this holiday season waiting … not for shiny wrapped gifts, but for an organ or tissue transplant. Give the gift of hope this December by placing your name on a registry or by making a gift to help a family who is facing a transplant. These gifts are more precious than anything you can wrap.

To find out how you can help a child in need, please go to www.cota.org. You can help make a miracle this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Rick Lofgren, President

Children's Organ Transplant Association