The VeriFacts team is elated to share that since our original post, Natalie received her much-needed second heart transplant! Her surgery was successful and she and her family left the Ronald McDonald House to go home on October 9. Natalie shared that she was most excited about seeing the rest of her family, her dogs, and being able to fall asleep in her own bed. She still has to take steroid medications, but she has been able to gain some weight and is feeling very happy and healthy.
After several months of treatment that were far from her home, Natalie and her family are ready to move forward and enjoy the next chapter of her “crazy beautiful” life. They send their thanks, love, and appreciation for all the wonderful people who took time to support her and pray for them. The VeriFacts team would also like to express our deepest thanks to everyone who participated in the Natalie Strong Virtual 5k and/or made a donation toward her lifetime transplant-related needs. We wish Natalie a healthy journey on her road to a full recovery.
September 3, 2020- VeriFacts is a team with a big heart, and this month, we’re helping one of our own and participating in the Natalie Strong Virtual 5k to raise money that will help to give a young teen the gift of life through a second heart transplant.
The VeriFacts team is ready to lace up our running shoes for the Natalie Strong Virtual 5K on Sunday, September 13, 2020. This event will raise money for Natalie Buck, an immediate family member of VeriFacts’ own Anjie Persico. Natalie is 13 years old, on the list for her second heart transplant, and fighting hard; but she and her family need support. For the past 4 months, Natalie has been in the care of a hospital in Chicago and we know that she has a very long road ahead of her. Heart transplants can be a massive financial burden with costs that can include family relocation to be near the hospital or transplant center, long-term medications and therapies, follow-up medical care, and more.
“There’s no greater gift than the gift of life.” –organdonor.gov
That’s why the VeriFacts team is participating in this life-changing virtual 5k which will provide financial assistance and access to the critical care and treatment that Natalie needs throughout her lifetime. While the VeriFacts team will run together, this virtual 5k is open to anyone who would like to join us in our efforts to give the gift of life to Natalie.
Interested participants, families, or groups must register before September 4 by visiting the official race page. Each race registration costs $25 and all proceeds will go directly to COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association) in honor of Natalie and help with a lifetime of transplant-related expenses. Participants can walk, run, hike, bike, or swim to complete the race in their choice of location: home, pool, trail, or street. The virtual 5k begins on Friday, September 11, and ends on Sunday, September 13.
We would love for others to join our VeriFacts team by walking, running, jogging, biking, or swimming in their own neighborhoods across the country. In fact, VeriFacts’ CEO Stephanie Clark and Finance & Compliance Specialist Anjie Persico have committed to doing 10 pushups for every person who registers for the Natalie Strong Virtual 5k! You read that correctly, 10 pushups for each participant; so 25 participants = 250 pushups!
Even if you can’t participate in the race, please consider supporting Natalie and her dreams of a chance to live. For more information, to register, or to give now, please visit the COTA for Natalie’s Journey website. Let’s show our support for Anjie and help Natalie’s family get closer to their $25,000 goal. Together, we can help our own and get Natalie one step closer to the life-saving second heart transplant that she needs.
Want to learn more about becoming an organ donor? Visit organdonor.gov.
About Children’s Organ Transplant Association
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults in need of a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA’s services are completely free of charge and 100% of funds raised can be used throughout a patient’s lifetime for almost any transplant-related expense.
About VeriFacts, LLC
A leading service provider to the receivables management industry for over 25 years, VeriFacts, LLC is committed to offering guaranteed customer location and employment verification services to creditors across the nation. The VeriFacts brand has become synonymous with high-quality service and a positive customer experience. VeriFacts is headquartered in Sterling, IL.
