Born on August 19, 2009 in McKinney, TX, Nathanael Banks was diagnosed with Wiskott - Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), a rare immune deficiency syndrome that makes it almost impossible for him to fight off illness. Since the only way to cure the disease is to replace the bone marrow and “reprogram” the immune system, a transplant was necessary. The family decided to have the transplant in Cincinnati for two main reasons: better insurance coverage and the presence of the world's leading expert in WAS. In September, the family rented an apartment in Cincinnati and called on Angel Flight volunteers to transport them from their home in Texas. After initials visits with the doctors at CCHMC, Nathanael’s father and brother drove back to Texas, leaving he and his Mom in Ohio for treatment. In April 2010, after many months of grueling medical procedures, Nathanael was brought home to Texas where his journey to recovery began. Today, Nathanael and his family are still living very secluded lives because of his compromised immune system.

With the cost of a transplant exceeding $1,000,000 in the first year, the Banks family has found it difficult to shoulder the financial burden alone, even with the blessing of excellent health insurance. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. Nationwide, volunteers are raising funds for transplant patients like little Nathanael Banks.