Community Raises Funds for CLS Student's Heart Transplant

A Nick’s Pizza fundraiser will kick off an effort to raise funds for a heart transplant for Crystal Lake South High School student Mackenzie Tannhauser. at Nick’s from 11 a.m . to 10 p.m., on St. Patrick’s Day and 15 percent of the carry-out or dine-in order will go to the effort.

Mackenzie, 16, was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, an irregular heartbeat, when she was 8. Since that time, she has undergone eight heart surgeries.  She has developed dirated cardiomyopathy and doctors at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago recommended a life-saving heart transplant.

Mackenzie is involved in drama and also participated in CLS High School’s Madrigal and A Cappella Choirs. She hopes to pursue a career in cardiology.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is organizing the fund-raising efforts.

COTA’s mission is to ensure that children are not denied a transplant due to lack of funds. One hundred  percent of funds raised go directly to patient’s transplant related expenses.

Those who want to donate directly to Mackenzie’s heart fund can make donations in person at any Bank of America branch location using account number 291009748253 or mailed to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Indiana, 47403. Checks or money orders should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Mackenzie T.” written on the memo line of the check. Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.COTAforMackenzieT.com.