Renton, WA – With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, many transplant patients are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. In Renton, volunteers are raising funds for transplant patients like local girl Annie Rowan.

Born on January 29, 2004, Annie was diagnosed at age six with Acute Liver Failure, and doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Washington performed a life-saving liver transplant on February 4, 2010. An estimated $50,000 is being raised by Renton volunteers. 

Annie is the daughter of Joseph and Michelle Rowan, and the sister of Megan and Chloe. Her grandparents are James Rowan, Leona Rowan, Marilyn Rowan, Randal Chase, and Deborah Chase. 

Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising activities. Individuals and groups interested in more information can contact Community Coordinator Janaea Riddle at 425.241.8557 or riddlejs@gmail.com.

Donations may be made in person at any Wells Fargo Bank branch location using account number 6733375908 or mailed to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Indiana, 47403. Checks or money orders should be made payable to COTA,with “In Honor of Annie R.” written on the memo line of the check.   Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.COTAforAnnieR.com. 

Annie’s family has asked for assistance from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. The organization’s priority is to assure that no child is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds. One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for patients’ transplant-related expenses.