Baby Who Needs Transplant Gets New Heart For Christmas

WADING RIVER, NY — It's a Christmas miracle for a 6-month old baby girl who's been waiting for a heart transplant.

"Today I am receiving an early Christmas present," a post from Ruby June Cotter said, on her father Brian's Facebook page. "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."

Ruby's story has sparked an outpouring of love from the community. A GoFundMe "Ruby June Cotter," was created by Angela Albergo Houlihan and has raised $103,898 so far.

An update to the page Sunday said that Ruby was back from a successful surgery. "Her new heart is beating beautifully as she gets some well deserved rest. She has gone through more than four months of fighting and overcoming. She is our hero in every way possible. She is powerful and strong and because of this beautiful gift and wonderful nurses and doctors she has a chance at a normal life. Thank you for your prayers, kind words and gifts. Ruby has a long road ahead of her so please continue to pray. We love you all."

On June 12, 2019, Ashley and Brian Cotter welcomed their daughter, Ruby June, into 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 New York 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, the page said.

Ruby has captivated the many who follow her story on Instagram. "I have dilated cardiomyopathy and just got my Berlin Heart Sept 12. This is my journey to a find a new heart," her Instagram page said.

Her GoFundMe page reads like a love-filled journal, with posts by both her mother and father, who works at the Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton.

On Sept. 18, a post by Ruby June Cotter read: "It's been two weeks since I got sick and six days with my Berlin heart." A Berlin heart mechanically supports the hearts of those in heart failure.

"I am fighting with all my might," the post, written for Ruby, read. "The past few days have been a roller coaster of ups and downs, but, overall, I am making progress. I was listed for my heart transplant on Friday, but today, the doctors told my mom and dad that I will be able to take a heart of any blood type (not just mine). Thank you for all your love, prayers, and the generous donations. You are helping our family stay strong and positive."

Brian Cotter wrote that the love and support their family has been receiving is "unbelievable. People, businesses, volleyball teams, colleges, yoga studios, paint studios, the 106th Rescue Wing, families, friends, little children and countless others, all taking time out if their lives to help us get through this hard time. Thank you so much for everything. You keep us strong and positive knowing we have an army of love battling with us."

On the GoFundMe page, a video shows her daddy rocking Ruby, his voice choked by tears. "You're the same old Ruby girl. . . I never want to let you go."

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