Baby Who Had Christmas Heart Transplant Home At Last

WADING RIVER, NY — A 6-month-old girl who got a life-saving new heart just before Christmas is home at last. "My first 24 hours at home have been really great," Ruby Cotter's dad, Brian, wrote for her on Facebook. "I miss my friends from the hospital, but I know they are busy helping other sick children. Love you all and thank you for everything. My mom hit the gong for me on the way out, and I’m sorry everyone couldn’t be in the picture."

Speaking to Patch about his daughter's homecoming Tuesday, Cotter discussed the many emotions evoked. "Leaving the hospital is in some ways bittersweet," he said. "The doctors and nurses saved our little girl and became our family. The professionalism and knowledge of the heart failure team is unmatched. They are just incredible. It was exciting to finally do what we thought about for four months — go home. We packed the car, hit the gong, said our goodbyes and made the trip back home."

Ashley, Ruby's mom, sat in the back seat, Cotter said. "It was, in some ways, a repeat of when we brought Ruby home after she was born. It took 2.5 hours to get home. Ruby slept most of the time, and when she wasn’t sleeping she was smiling. I hope she gets used to the drive, because we will be making it two days a week for a while," he said.

Being home, he said, "is amazing but a little stressful. Ruby is on a schedule with her medications and feeds. It will take some time, but we are getting into a flow."

Ruby, meanwhile, has been very relaxed and very happy, he said. "She got a bath in the tub instead of a sponge bath in the crib, she got lots of snuggles from Mom and Dad, and a full night's sleep. So I would say, 'So far, so good!'"

Earlier, the many who have been following little Ruby's progress were thrilled to hear that her heart transplant had gone well and she was recovering.

"For the first time in 4 months I am not attached to anything . . . I take all my medications like a big girl. I can wear pants, I can leave my crib . . . Look out, world, nothing is holding me back now," said a updated post on a GoFund Me page, "Ruby June Cotter," organized by Angela Albergo Houlihan. The page has raised more than $109,700 so far.

Since news broke about Baby Ruby's plight, communities near and far have held her close in their hearts — and prayed for her recovery.

In an interview with Patch, Cotter shared the news of Ruby's extraordinary progress after the surgery: "Ruby is doing very well," with all IVs removed, he said. "She's been taking all her medication by mouth."

The good news followed the baby's heart transplant, which came just in time for the holidays. "Today I am receiving an early Christmas present," a post from Ruby said on her father's Facebook page in December. "A heart has arrived for me. It will be a very long surgery and the results might be a little unpredictable but we are so thankful for this beautiful gift. The next part of my journey starts today. My family and I are thankful for all of your love and support. We love you. Please continue praying and sending love for the wonderful family who offered me this gift of life."

"The fight isn't over for Ruby"

But while Ruby's fortunes changed for the better, challenges still lie ahead.

Cotter and his wife will be driving with Ruby to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital two days a week for checkups for a while, he said.

"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," he said. "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."

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; and a blood drive was also organized. Others put out collections jars and made signs, artwork and stickers to help, he said.

"It's honestly very hard to think of everything," he said. "It felt like every day, someone was doing something to help us. 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."

"We will return home with a new perspective on everything, and we will not waste a minute"

Cotter's words reflect deep gratitude.

"We cannot wait to move forward to the next chapter of our lives as a family," he said. "We can't wait to teach Ruby how precious life is and how she got her gift of life. We will return home with a new perspective on everything, and we will not waste a minute."

On June 12, Ashley and Brian Cotter welcomed Ruby to the world, the GoFundMe page 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 NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. After days of testing, she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy."

The road ahead will be long, with mounting expenses throughout Ruby's life, the page said.

Ruby has captivated the many who follow her story on Instagram. Her GoFundMe page reads like a love-filled journal, with posts by both her mother and father chronicling her journey, including one on the day she received a Berlin heart, which mechanically supports the hearts of those in heart failure. Her followers cheered when she received her new heart in December.

"I am fighting with all my might," read the post written for Ruby.

To donate to Ruby's GoFundMe page, click here.