Baby With New Heart Quarantined: Why Staying Home Saves Lives

WADING RIVER, NY — Little Ruby June Cotter is just nine months old, but some might say she, among many others, is a big reason why public officials have taken such drastic measures to keep the public home in the face of coronavirus.

Ruby received a life-saving heart transplant right before Christmas. And her story puts a face on the very real threat of coronavirus — she is, along with the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, living with a compromised immune system.

Because of that, Ruby and her parents have basically been quarantined since she received her new heart on Dec 22, her father Brian Cotter wrote on Facebook.

She cannot, he said, get any live virus vaccines, so it’s important to avoid the flu or any virus.

Living with the threat of COVID-19, he said, is not much different than the daily rigors of their normal regime. "So if anybody needs advice or has questions on what to do, ask us," he said, posting for Ruby in one of his trademark updates. "We know how to be clean, when to wear masks, what to avoid and every good show on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Disney! God bless all the nurses and doctors out there are working even harder while we all hide."

Speaking with Patch, Cotter said he and his wife Ashley have lived the way many are now, in the new coronavirus reality, since they got home from the hospital.

"We don’t go out much and when we do, we are careful. On nice days we take Ruby for a walk outside, but otherwise, the hospital is the only public place she goes — and that is stressful," he said.

Community spread — and the fear of infecting the vulnerable population, including those with compromised immune systems and the elderly — is the reason Governor Andrew Cuomo said he ordered all restaurants and bars closed in New York Monday, and why elected officials are urging the public to stay home and contain the virus by "flattening the curve," to preserve already too-scarce hospital resources available for those who will need them.

During the coronavirus crisis, Cotter said, "People are freaking out but if everyone lives like their kid or their spouse has a comprised immune system, like us, people will be safer."

He added: "It’s not about us getting sick, it’s about us getting sick and passing it to Ruby."

A month ago, Cotter said, "People looked at us funny for wiping down the shopping cart before we used it, or using hand sanitizer after paying for something at the store. Now everyone else is doing it; it's kind of crazy to see."

He posted on Facebook about how to live with the threat of coronavirus when someone you love has a compromised immune system because, Cotter said, he wanted to educate.

"We wanted to show people that they don’t have to be scared — they just have to be aware and careful. We are used to staying home, so not much has changed for us. Only go out if you need to; otherwise, just watch some movies and spend time with your family."

It's been almost three months since Ruby got her life-saving new heart just before Christmas — and despite some challenges, her grateful parents say their daughter is happy and continuing to amaze them with her progress.

Since news broke about Baby Ruby's plight, communities near and far have held her close in their hearts — and prayed for her recovery. A GoFund Me page, "Ruby June Cotter," organized by Angela Albergo Houlihan, has raised more than $113,000 so far.

But challenges still lie ahead.

"The fight isn't over for Ruby. It will be a lifelong battle. Getting a heart wasn't a cure — but more like a trade. She will be on medication that suppresses her immune system her whole life. She is 70 percent more at risk for skin cancer," Cotter said. "She will have to wear a mask in public and we, as parents, will have to teach her how to avoid getting sick, and germs from people. And eventually, hopefully a long time from now, she will need another heart."

Despite the rough road, there have been many blessings, Cotter said.

"My wife and I had the privilege of being with Ruby every step of the way. Everyone contributed something to make our lives easier. We always knew people were thinking about us and praying for Ruby. We received so many gifts, donations, and care packages from family, close friends, old friends and complete strangers," he said.

Fundraisers were held by members of the 106th Rescue Wing, where Cotter works, NoFo DoCo, Town Country Market, the Shoreham-Wading River volleyball team and Moravian College; a blood drive was also organized. Others put up collections jars, made signs, artwork and stickers to help, he said.

"My wife and I always talk about how incredible people are. In our souls we are good. People come together and rally when someone is in need and it's beautiful. It's not just from our little Wading River town, either — people from all over the country are offering help. We truly love you all so much and could never thank you enough or repay you," Cotter said.