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 Fairburn, volunteers are raising funds for transplant patients like local teen Zalika Mason.

Born on August 31, 1991, Zalika was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. Doctors at Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center in Durham, North Carolina performed a life-saving bone marrow transplant on September 4, 2009. An estimated $60,000 is being raised by volunteers throughout key parts of the metro Atlanta area.

Daughter of David and Sandra Mason of Fairburn, Georgia, sister of Patrice Mason, granddaughter of Sydney and Doris Green of New York City

 Bone Marrow/Stem Cell transplant scheduled for mid-September 2009 at Duke Childhren's Hospital in Durham, NC; her father David Mason is the donor and is with her at Duke

Student at Banneker High School in Fulton County, and two courses away from graduation

Zalika calls herself "Lia" perhaps in an effort to become that "new girl" she expects to be after her transplant.

 COTA is a 501(c)(3) national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. Donations are credited for tax purposes to the full extent allowed by law.

100% of funds generated by COTA community fundraising campaigns are available for transplant-related expenses

COTA has raised about $51 million dollars for 1400 clients. The relationship with transplant families is lifelong.

Wachovia banks will accept donations in honor of Zalika at any branch location, using the account number 3000025117742.

Checks should be made payable to COTA with "in Honor of Zalika M." in the memo line.

The local committee, dedicated to raising $60,000 for transplant-related expenses in honor of Zalika Maon, makes media contacts, coordinates fundraising and encourage churches, schools, clubs, civic organizations, corporations and service groups to sponsor fundraising events on behalf of Zalika's campaign. The committee will work in key parts of the metro Atlanta area.

Zalika celebrated her 18th birthday on August 31st!

Anyone who knows Zalika (Lia) can attest to her resiliency. Inspite of a challenging setback last year when the first bone marrow transplant failed, she remains optomistic, courageous, and cool.

Her family and friends rejoice with her that a new donor has been found, and on Monday, February 8, she will undergo a second bone marrow transplant at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina! Currently, she is being prepped for the procedure and is reacting well to the treatment. 

Please continue to pray fervently and give generously to COTA on her behalf.

"Setbacks are setups for comebacks!"

Zalika's second procedure, a repeat of the bone marrow transplant, was performed as scheduled in February. At first, she appeared to be making wonderful progress. For example, after surgery, she had a hearty appetite, was upbeat and even walked around a bit. Bravely she endured the expected pain and discomfort, clearly understanding this was a part of the healing process.