With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, many transplant families 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-related expenses.  In Terre Haute, volunteers are raising funds for COTA in honor of transplant patients like local girl, Katelyn Newell.  

Katelyn is the daughter of Robin Newell and Scott Moody. She has 5 brothers (Cameron,Damian,Austin,Alex, and Robert). Born on December 6, 2004, Katelyn was diagnosed with Complex Congenital Heart Disease.   The doctors at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana, have recommended a life-saving heart transplant.  An estimated $30,000 is being raised by Terre Haute volunteers. 

    Here is a little more information about what Katelyn and her family have went through since birth. She was born without the valve in her heart. She has had 3 heart surgeries at Riley's Children Hospital. the first when she was just 9 days old. She had a pacemaker to help her heart in April,2012.

  Now her cardiologist feels the best step for Katelyn to have more normal childhood is for her to get a heart transplant. Her coronary arteries are not developed properly,

  This site will help us raise money for transplant related expense such as (dr. appointments,medication, and other transplant related expense.

  The Terre Haute Tribune Star will be following Katelyn's progress. Her school, Deming Elementary School has been very helpful in dealing with dr. appointments,heart monitors and other restrictions placed on Katelyn.

 Katelyn is a very smart and happy child. She always has a smile on her face that lights up the room. Her favorite subject in school is math. She loves to dance (when she can). She LOVES Justin Bieber. Her favorite colors are purple and black. She sings Justin's song "Baby" all the time. She wants to be an veterinarian when she grows up.