Community Corner
Liver Transplant Saves Hillsborough Boy's Life, Now He Is Paying It Forward
Aidan Tavaly didn't know if he would live it to his 13th birthday. Thanks to a transplant, he will. Now he wants to help others:
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Aidan Tavaly, a Hillsborough boy, is about to celebrate his 13th birthday — a milestone his family wasn’t sure would come.
Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver failure and learned that he would need a transplant.
His life was filled with many doctor visits and medications while waiting for a donor. A few weeks ago, Aidan's luck changed, and he underwent a successful transplant.
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With the support of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), Aidan is now thriving.
He had a few follow-up procedures and has been released from the NYU Langone Hassenfeld Children's Hospital. He is now recovering at the New York Ronald McDonald House to be close to his follow-up visits.
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To honor this milestone, the family has launched Aidan’s Lucky 13 Birthday Fundraiser, a campaign benefiting COTA in honor of Aidan, which helps with lifetime transplant-related expenses.
"This birthday is extra special — not only because Aidan is turning 13, but because we weren’t sure this moment would come. We want to share our joy by giving back and supporting COTA, who has been with us every step of the way," said Nichole, Aidan’s mom.
The fundraiser runs from Sept. 19 through Oct. 1 with a goal of $1,313 and features a Lucky 13 Giveaway. Supporters are encouraged to donate in multiples of $13 ($13, $26, $39, etc.), with each donation earning an entry into a drawing for themed prizes.
The initiative combines celebration with community support, raising both funds and awareness for transplant families.
Donations must be made directly through COTA for Aidan’s Battle by clicking here, where supporters can also leave birthday wishes.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) receives contributions to help offset transplant-related expenses. COTA then disperses funds to families to assist with those expenses. Contributions to COTA will be used to allocate funds for transplant-related expenses and are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
For more information about Aidan’s fundraiser and to participate, click here.
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