Hello! and Thank You for your interest. 

Born on January 14, 1993, Justin Ross VanGuilder is a remarkable 16 year old high school junior. Justin’s positive attitude is infectious and an inspiration to his family and friends, especially his classmates at The Gahanna Community School in Gahanna, Ohio.

Justin’s whole world changed in August of 2008 when after an accident on his bicycle, his resulting bruise was unusually large. His parents took him to see his doctor and the nightmare began.  Justin had hospital appointments 2 to 3 times a week while the doctors worked to diagnose his condition. The doctors and family started calling it “Justin’s Disease”. Justin remained at home in virtual isolation from his friends and classmates for months while his family worked full time jobs, transported him to the clinic, and kept their home squeaky clean to prevent any infection.  Justin endured hours at the clinic and transfusions every other day. When his blood counts could not be maintained any longer the doctors knew they had to act. 

At Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Justin’s doctor administered chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Justin remains in isolation and his family members have been rotating visits with him, pacing themselves for the many days and months to come.  Justin will continue to be in isolation for an extended time and then return for treatments for years to come.  

Justin endures all of this with a smile which makes your heart ache with his boyish charm and genuine goodness. He has brilliant insight into his role in overcoming his illness and strong desire to be healthy someday and help others that are in dire situations like his. 

Justin’s parents work hard to keep their health insurance coverage, which pays a portion of the total costs associated with Justin’s treatment. His mother battles active epilepsy triggered by stress, yet continues to fight and advocate daily for Justin. She and her husband and the entire family circle remain pillars of strength at Justin’s side.

With the cost of a single transplant often exceeding $500,000 - the financial pressure can be overwhelming. An estimated $150,000 is needed to pay for continuing treatment and to supplement the amount not paid by health insurance.  The “Justin Team” also needs help from other volunteers to meet the fundraising goals.  If you can help, please call Fran Ryan @ 614-214-1717, Jamie Warner @ 614-477-6935 or Tifiro Cook @ 614-371-9615.

Donations may be made in person at any Chase Bank branch location using account number 2940797265 or mailed to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association at 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Indiana, 47403. Checks or money orders should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Justin V.” written on the memo line of the check.   Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.COTAforJustinV.com.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a National 503c non-profit organization and contributions are 100% deductible as allowed by law.  The organization’s priority is to assure that no child is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds.  One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for patients’ transplant-related expenses.