Family seeks help with woman’s transplant

September 19, 2010 at 12:04a.m.

By SEAN BARRON

Family and relatives of a Cleveland-area woman, formerly from the Mahoning Valley and in need of a double-lung transplant, are asking the public for help in raising money for expenses related to the procedure.

Tina Carkido, 24, of North Royalton was born with cystic fibrosis and was recently placed on a donor list for the transplant. Nearly all her family lives in the Valley, and they have contacted the Bloomington, Ind.-based Children’s Organ Transplant Association to assist with transplant-related expenses.

They also are trying to raise more than $45,000, the estimated amount of expenses after Carkido’s insurance pays its part, noted Noreen Mazon of Boardman, Carkido’s aunt.

To that end, a fund-raising event has been set for 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Bob Evans Restaurant, 7347 California Ave., in Boardman.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects how salt and water move into and out of the body’s cells. Thick mucus typically builds in the person’s airway, which often causes blockages and leads to lung infections.

Recently, Carkido, who lives with her mother, Terri, was readmitted to the Cleveland Clinic because of another infection, Mazon said.

Carkido’s breathing capacity was only about 21 percent, explained Mazon, who’s also handling public relations for the fundraiser.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association, established in 1986, is a national charity dedicated to helping children and young adults who need or have had a life-saving transplant by providing fund-raising assistance and family support.

COTA also seeks to organize and guide communities in such efforts, its mission statement says.

Donations for Carkido can be made at any PNC Bank. To donate, ask for account No. 6007641027, or call Mazon at 330-726-9986.

To make an online donation, go to www.COTAforTinaC.com. Anyone wishing to send checks or money orders should mail them to Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 W. COTA Drive, Bloomington, Ind. 47403, and have them made payable to “In honor of Tina C.”