URBANA — The family of an Urbana girl who celebrates her first birth March 9 is raising money for her to have a life-saving kidney transplant, the Springfield News-Sun reports.
Emma Allen, a daughter of Tabatha and Daniel Allen, was born with with one non-functioning kidney that was full of large cysts, according to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. She was diagnosed in utero with multi-cystic dysplastic kidney disease (MCDK) and has been on dialysis since day five of her life, her family said.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s transplant team has recommended a kidney transplant for Emma.
With the help of COTA, a charity that organizes and helps communities raise money for transplant-related expenses, Emma’s family is raising $55,000 for Emma’s transplant.
“Emma is a pure fighter and is the happiest baby you’ll ever meet,” reads her COTA page. “She loves to smile, cuddle and gabs away. We cannot wait until she no longer has to be on dialysis and can eat by mouth once she gets her new kidney.”
To learn more about Emma’s story or to donate, visit www.COTAforTeamEmmaA.com .
Transplants and transplant-related costs can range from $100,000 to $800,000, according to COTA. The charity helps families bridge financial gaps while caring for a loved one in need of a transplant.
All funds raised for COTA in honor of patients goes toward transplant-related expenses.
COTA is also seeking volunteers to help with Emma’s community campaign. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact Jessica Hicks at (937) 241-2250 or [email protected].