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From WDAM-TV News 7 on April 20, 2003... 
"A Lamar County child who's battling a life-threatening disease is getting a special gift this Easter holiday -- a chance at a new and healthier life. ...16-year-old Nicholas Wright of Oak Grove received a double lung transplant in New Orleans. Nicholas, who has Cystic Fibrosis, has received a lot of media attention in the last few months as folks in the Pine Belt have raised more than $127,000 to help pay his medical bills. A family spokesman tells us Nicholas' six-hour surgery was successful and he's in good condition. He'll probably stay in New Orleans for several months as he recovers."


Nicholas’ 16 years have been a lifetime of fighting to live. He has Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease. His has been a life of breathing treatments, chest therapies, tube feedings, IVs, and more than 50 pills a day to keep him alive. He is on oxygen one hundred percent of the time, with only 20% lung capacity. His bravery during his many painful surgical procedures surpasses most adults. He has never had a normal life.

Nicholas is the son of Kathy Slay Wright of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Randy Wright of Purvis, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Janet and Herb Slay of Hattiesburg.

Nicholas’ medical evaluation is complete, and he is approved for a transplant by the medical staff of Ochsner’s. A call could come at any moment. Obviously, finances must be in order prior to the transplant. Nicholas’ parents placed a health insurance policy in force at his birth, knowing that one-day a complete lung transplant was a strong possibility. That policy remains in force, despite increases in premiums. Costs, including the transplant, post-transplant, and follow-up medication and procedures, are going to exceed all insurance limitations.

During the initial two to four months after the transplant, Nicholas and his mother will be living in New Orleans at considerable expense. His mother will not be able to fulfill her employment responsibilities, and, therefore, will incur loss of income. Medically, post-transplant needs will include doctor visits, evasive tests, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and other needs. These expenses are expected to be about $50,000. In the long term, a monthly cost of approximately $2,000 will be needed for anti-rejection medication, for the remainder of Nicholas’ life.

A group of volunteers who are friends of the Wright and Slay families are joining with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to develop a campaign for financial assistance. COTA has trained these volunteers.

The mission of the campaign is to provide an avenue for others to assist in helping Nicholas and his family meet uninsured costs for the transplant, and approximately two years of post-transplant care. These costs are anticipated to be approximately $100,000. All contributions made through the campaign are placed into a lifetime account for Nicholas at COTA. Contributions are tax deductible, and one hundred percent of all funds raised in the campaign go to the support of Nicholas.

Your tax-deductible support of Nicholas should be made payable to: “COTA For Nicholas W.” and mailed to “The Campaign for Nicholas W., Box 15339, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39404.”

Thank you for taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with Nicholas and the campaign for his support. Your support of Nicholas and his upcoming transplant will be deeply appreciated. If you need additional information, please call 601-264-7815.


Take a DEEP breath for Nicholas…something he has never done, yet!

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO DONATE ONLINE

 

Fact Sheet

Nicholas’ 16 years have been a lifetime of fighting to live. He has Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease. The mission of the campaign is to provide an avenue for others to assist in helping Nicholas and his family meet uninsured costs for a double-lung transplant, and approximately two years of post-transplant care. These costs are anticipated to be approximately $100,000. All contributions made through the campaign are tax deductible, and one hundred percent of all funds raised in the campaign go into a lifetime account to the support of Nicholas. Nicholas, as of September, 2002, is number four on the transplant list at Ochsner’s Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Patient’s Name: Nicholas Wright
Age: 16
School: Oak Grove
Mother: Kathy Slay Wright
Father: Randy Wright
Brothers: Randy Lee and Ryan
Grandparents: Herb and Janet Slay

Campaign Goal: $100,000

Campaign Management: Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) Bloomington, Indiana

Campaign Characteristics - Volunteers have been trained by a COTA representative.

All donations are tax deductible. COTA is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) organization.All donations will go into a lifetime account for Nicholas and 100% of all contributions will be used for his support. This is the first COTA campaign in Mississippi.

Local Committee Campaign Chair - William E. “Bud” Kirkpatrick
Campaign Trustee - Benny Waddle
Numerous Volunteers

Contributions Cash - Make contributions at any Hancock Bank and indicate they are for “COTA for Nicholas W.,” for the account # 012855895.

Check - Make checks payable to: “COTA for Nicholas W.” and mail to Campaign for Nicholas W., Box 15339, Hattiesburg, MS 39404

COTA Information: Call 1-800-366-2682 and ask for Jennifer Daniel or visit www.cota.org

Media Contact William E. “Bud” Kirkpatrick - 582-2289