After an arduous 200-day hospital stay, 11-year-old Ava Cooper received a heart transplant, delivering a life-changing message to her father that she was finally getting the help she needed.
In a remarkable turn of events, 11-year-old Ava Cooper from Ohio made a life-changing phone call to her father, revealing that she was set to receive the heart transplant she had been waiting for. Ava, who was born with multiple heart defects, underwent her first open-heart surgery just six days after her birth.
Despite her early surgeries, Ava’s health deteriorated in May 2024 when a sinus infection escalated into heart failure. This critical condition led doctors to place her on the transplant list, marking a desperate but necessary step in her fight for survival.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, heart transplants are recommended for children facing severe heart issues, as these children cannot survive without a functioning heart. The procedure involves replacing a failing heart with a healthy organ from a donor, typically someone who is critically ill due to injury or illness.
Ava spent over 200 days at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, where her family anxiously awaited news of a suitable donor. That moment finally arrived in March 2025, when her mother, Jamie Cooper, received the life-altering news. She quickly relayed the information to Ava’s father, Sean Cooper, who was at home with their younger daughter.
When Sean answered the phone, he was greeted by Ava’s joyful voice saying, “Daddy, I’m getting a heart.” Overwhelmed with emotion, he responded, “Oh, my goodness … Oh my goodness, Ava,” during their video call.
The heart transplant surgery was performed later that month by Dr. Hani Najm, a pediatric and congenital heart surgeon. Ava expressed her excitement, stating, “I was so excited and couldn’t believe it was actually happening.” After months of uncertainty and struggle, she was finally strong enough to return home.
For Sean, that phone call remains a cherished memory. “Hearing Ava say those words, ‘I’m getting a heart,’ was overwhelming,” he reflected. “After everything she’d been through, we were finally one step closer to coming home for good.”
This inspiring story highlights the resilience of a young girl and the profound impact of organ donation on the lives of those in need. Ava’s journey underscores the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Source: Original article