FUNDRAISING … Alek Bell, pictured, recently went through a rare lifesaving bone marrow transplant. Alek’s parents, John and Heidi, are partnering with COTA, a national charity organization to raise $75,000, because of the expensive transplant. (PHOTO COURTESY OF CARRIE MILLER, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
Bryan resident Alek Bell received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant on February 13. Seeing as how transplants are often an expensive ordeal, Alek’s parents, Heidi and John Bell, have partnered with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to help raise funds for transplant related expenses.
The road to the bone marrow transplant, according to Alex’s COTA blog, the process for the needed transplant began when Alek suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest.
After two trips to the University of Michigan and several trips to Toledo ProMedica, it was discovered that Alek was suffering from a rare disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).
Alek and his parents then made a trip to the University of Minnesota Center in Minneapolis, where doctors specialize in treating the disease.
A doctor there, Dr. Gupta, Alek’s personal doctor, recommended that Alek have the bone marrow transplant in order to keep the rare disease from getting any worse.
After the successful surgery, however, Alek must stay at the hospital for at least 100 days.
John and Heidi will have to miss a lot of work to be with Alek and his younger brothers Coehen and Sylas, will miss school, while coming to visit Alek.
Miller said that though it’s a long process, “Alek is starting to get his energy and personality back.”
COTA Community Coordinator Carrie Miller said that the current fundraiser is a virtual fundraiser, a Give it Up Campaign, which will take place until April 9.
Here, people are asked to donate the amount that they would usually give up for Lent, such as giving up Starbucks on the way to work (one week would be worth $25), or giving up a dessert at dinner.
Miller said that they are looking for volunteers to help plan another fundraiser, as well.
Contributions can be sent to Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Indiana, 47413.
Checks can be made out to COTA, with “in honor of Alek Strong”, on the memo line. Credit card gifts are accepted online, at www.cotaforalekstrong.com.
COTA is a national 501(c) charity. Its purpose is to guide communities in raising funds for transplant related expenses.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com