The American Legion Children & Youth Committee September 19, 2015 Indianapolis, Indiana

Thank you for the privilege of addressing you today Herbert J. Petit, Jr., Chairman, Committee on Children and Youth Jill K. Druskis, Director Americanism Division Jason Kees, Deputy Director Americanism Division Kimberly Mezger, Assistant Director, Americanism Division Members of the Committee on Children and Youth

Five minute video: The Buurstra Family from Snohomish, Washington COTA.org (317)

The Buurstra Family from Snohomish, Washington (Dad, Tim, was working that day at Boeing) COTA.org (317)

Isaac received his transplant on November 27, 2013 at Seattle Children’s Hospital at the age of 1 year, 9 months and is doing well COTA.org (317)

But there is another side of the transplant journey... COTA.org (317)

From our files regarding contact with this patient family… COTA.org (317)

“Spoke with a very overwhelmed Paige (mom). She has spent hours going through medical bills, discharge papers, Rx Tags, etc. before, during and after transplant…” COTA.org (317)

“Contacted Paige letting her know we received her requests, adjusted some in her favor due to miscalculations and added per diem. Offered to deposit funds directly to their bank account if they wished…” COTA.org (317)

At transplant, one journey ends… COTA.org (317)

At transplant, one journey ends… And another begins COTA.org (317)

And a new journey has begun for someone close to us… COTA.org (317)

And a new journey has begun for someone close to us… Damon Bradtmueller, SAL Squadron 500; Speedway, Indiana COTA.org (317)

And a new journey has begun for someone close to us… Damon Bradtmueller, SAL Squadron 500; Speedway, Indiana Detachment of Indiana COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant $43,595 total amount for new marketing materials and to establish The American Legion Hometown Heroes for COTA Fund COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant $43,595 total amount for new marketing materials and to establish The American Legion Hometown Heroes for COTA Fund ($1000 matching grant for the first 15 Departments/Detachments) COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Final report to be delivered by October 1, 2015 COTA expenditures to date under the grant: $47,095 spent so far for marketing materials $10,000 allocated for matching grants COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant $43,595 total for new marketing materials and to establish The American Legion Hometown Heroes for COTA Fund $15,000 matching grant for the first 15 Departments/Detachments to establish or enhance state allocation funds Basic Financial Need COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant $43,595 total for new marketing materials and to establish The American Legion Hometown Heroes for COTA Fund $15,000 matching grant for the first 15 Departments/Detachments to establish or enhance state allocation funds Basic Financial Need (BFN) Reimbursement of expenses for campaigns which have exhausted funds COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Final report to be delivered by October 1, 2015 $47,095 spent so far for marketing materials $1000 allocated for matching grants made to: Florida…New York…South Carolina Ohio…Indiana…Pennsylvania…Delaware…Virginia Wisconsin…New Jersey COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Was your Department or Detachment listed? COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Was your Department or Detachment listed? Five matching grants remain available for the first five Departments of Detachments which make a gift of $1000 or more COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Was your Department or Detachment listed? Five matching grants remain available for the first five Departments of Detachments which make a gift of $1000 or more The Children’s Organ Transplant Association 2501 W. COTA Drive Bloomington, Indiana COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Without the support of the men and women of the American Legion Family and the generosity of the Child Welfare Foundation, The Children’s Organ Transplant Association would have a difficult time maintaining its nearly-30 year practice of providing all services at no cost to families and promising that 100% of all funds donated to transplant-related expenses are used exclusively for that purpose. Period. COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Without the support of the men and women of the American Legion Family and the generosity of the Child Welfare Foundation, The Children’s Organ Transplant Association would have a difficult time maintaining its nearly-30 year practice of providing all services at no cost to families and promising that 100% of all funds donated to transplant-related expenses are used exclusively for that purpose. On behalf of thousands of COTA families in all 50 states… COTA.org (317)

Report to Children and Youth Committee on 2015 CWF Grant Thank you! COTA.org (317)