Baby Who Had Christmas Heart Transplant Has 1st Birthday: Photos

WADING RIVER, NY — Ruby June Cotter, who received a heart transplant just in time for Christmas, has touched countless lives with her story of hope.

And on Saturday, the community turned out in force for a drive-by parade to celebrate Ruby's first birthday, which took place on June 12.

"The parade was great!" Ruby's father Brian Cotter said. "The Wading River Fire Department drove by, family from Brooklyn came out just to drive by, friends and family came, people gave Ruby gifts, and the cars were decorated! It was so nice. My wife and I were holding back tears," he said.

The family had much to celebrate — Brian and his wife Ashley are expecting a new baby; Ruby will be a big sister.

On June 12, 2019, Ashley and Brian welcomed their daughter into the world, a GoFundMe page for Ruby said. "The joy they experienced was unknown before that very moment. However, on September 4, 2019, less than three months later, their joy was replaced with fear, horror, and uncertainty. Ruby appeared lethargic and her body temperature was low," the page said.

Upon calling the pediatrician, her terrified parents were told to bring Ruby directly to the emergency room at Stony Brook University Hospital. "By the time they arrived, she was blue," the page said. "Once she was stabilized, she was transported to New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. After days of testing, she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy."

As Ruby turned a year old, her parents spoke about their greatest gift.

"Yesterday Ruby wore a shirt that she got as a gift after her heart transplant: 'This heart beats for two,'" Brian said last week. " Seeing her in the shirt and knowing her birthday was a day away was very emotional and brought back many feelings and memories, good and bad. Her heart does beat for two. If it wasn't for her donor and family we might not be able to celebrate her first birthday and because we can, that beautiful, selfless family — who we have never met — will not be able to."

Their daughter's birthday will always be a day of gratitude, her parents said.

"I cannot imagine being on the opposite side of this," Brian said. "We celebrate Ruby's birthday but we also know why we can. Her heart will forever represent the the good in humanity. We couldn't imagine our life without her and we will always be grateful, thankful and full of love."

And, he added: "We hope to one day meet that family. We hope to hug them, love them, cry with them, thank them and let them listen to Ruby's heart and know that their tragic loss was not for nothing. I know that won't take away the pain but maybe for a second — they will feel full."