With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, many transplant patients are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. In Casper, volunteers are raising funds for transplant patients like local child Melissa Berg.

Born on April 9, 1991, Melissa was diagnosed in July 2006 with Auto Immune Hepatitis, and doctors at The Children’s Hospital in Denver performed a life-saving liver transplant December 5, 2006. An estimated $100,000 is being raised by Casper volunteers.

Melissa with her dad, Harold and sister, Jessica in their hotel room, Christmas 2005, before going to see Phantom of the Opera in Denver. This was before her illness.

Melissa with dad, Harold, mom, Sally and sister, Jessica at Phantom of the Opera, Christmas 2005, before her illness.

Melissa talking to some friends, Ben and David, before her 9th grade co-ed formal dance in 2005, before her illness.

Melissa with Kristine, her Child Life Therapist during her stay at Children's Hospital, Denver.

Melissa with her friend Evan, dressed as the Get Well Fairy, during her stay at Children's Hospital in Denver. Evan has been a good friend since 1st grade.

Melissa with her girlfriends, from left, April, Michelle and Sarah, before her 9th grade co-ed formal dance in 2005, before her illness.