Maddy Harris, 6, of Airway Heights, was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease and Congestive Heart Failure last spring. She will need to undergo a kidney transplant.
The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA), along with Papa Murphy's Pizza, held a fundraiser Dec. 17 in honor of Maddy Harris, 6, of Airway Heights, and her family. The fundraiser, which was held at the stores on 1503 E. Francis Ave. and 2418 W. Northwest Blvd. in Spokane, raised a total of $1,174.94. All proceeds from the sales went to COTA to help Harris and her family. Prior to the fundraiser, COTA had raised $20,537.73 towards the $50,000 goal.
Harris 6, the daughter of Tabetha and Keith Harris, was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease and Congestive Heart Failure last March after her mother brought her to the emergency room. The Harris family went to Seattle where doctors recommended a kidney transplant.
Maddy Harris currently has kidney dialysis three times a week for three and a half hours.
"She has her good days and not-so-good days," Tabetha Harris said. "A lot of times she's in good spirits. She'll sometimes say that she's sad and afraid of dying."
In Seattle, Tabetha Harris learned about COTA, a non-profit organization that provides fundraising assistance and support to families with children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant. COTA, along with three of Tabetha Harris' friends helped with the fundraiser as outreach to help get Harris' story out there.
"Our friends jumped on board really quick," Tabetha Harris said.
Nancy Rabago is one of Tabetha Harris' friends who works with COTA to organize fundraising and runs Harris' COTA website. She is also a friend of the family who knows what it's like to take care of a special needs child.
"She told me about Maddy and I said 'if there's any way I can help, let me know,'" Rabago said. "The opportunity came up and I took it."
Jen Ross was one of several family friends who came to the fundraiser. She can also relate to the Harrises plight as she had a son who underwent surgery in Seattle. Ross said one of her friends is having a Pampered Chef's party and will be donating the proceeds to help the Harrises.
"It's emotionally stressful and financially, but it's nice to have the support," Ross said.
Tara Boling, Harris' teacher, was one of several Cheney and Medical Lake school district staff members who bought pizza during the fundraiser.
"Maddy is one of the sweetest girls I know," Boling said. "The whole school is coming together to support her.
The family hopes to have Harris' surgery in the spring. After the surgery, she and her father will live in Seattle for four months to make sure that her body is not rejecting the new kidney and to make sure they have managed the correct dosage of the medication that she will be taking.
Tabetha Harris will stay in Airway Heights with her and Keith's other three other children, one of whom has cerebral palsy.
Tabetha Harris' sister Nicole York, from Boise, Idaho, is the leading candidate for a donor at the moment. York has to go through some final testing and psychological assessment.
"The testing is strict and invasive," Tabetha Harris said. "They're looking for that perfect match."
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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