Year After Baby's Life-Saving Heart Transplant: 'We Are Grateful'

WADING RIVER, NY — December 22 will mark one year since baby Ruby June Cotter received a life-saving heart transplant. And to mark the momentous day, a blood drive has been planned in her honor to help others at their time of greatest need.

Reflecting on the one -year anniversary, Ruby's father Brian Cotter said he and his wife Ashley had a fervent wish to give back to others as the day approaches.

The "In Honor of Ruby" blood drive will be held on Tuesday, December 22 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Louis de Montfort R.C. Church, located at 75 New York Avenue in Sound Beach.

"Ruby lived through many challenges that most people and families never face," Brian said. "The one-year anniversary of her heart transplant is approaching and we are all very emotional. It’s one year we have gotten to spend with our girl that at many times we thought wouldn’t be possible. It is also a year that our donor family spent without their child. We understand their loss and try every day to give Ruby the very best. Sometimes I think she understands, too."

Ruby, he said, will only be a year and a half old at the one-year anniversary.

"She has come so far and has overcome almost every obstacle, despite missing a lot of therapy appointments due to COVID," he said.

With overwhelming gratitude, Cotter said when he was asked if a blood drive could be held in honor of Ruby’s "heart day" there was no hesitation in answering "'yes'. She had so many transfusions during her hospital stay and they saved her life. Blood donation is very important. It can save people lives — and it can keep them going while they wait for answers."

Currently, due to the pandemic, there is a blood shortage, a "chronic deficit," Cotter said.

"People are scared to go out and scared to put themselves in a position where they can potentially get sick. But there are still many people that need help and maybe Ruby can be a reminder of that. The community came together for her and they still do," he said.

Brian said he and his wife and possibly, Ruby, will be at the blood drive — unless they receive yet another pre-Christmas blessing. "We will be there unless my wife goes into labor with our second child. He is due on Dec. 23," he said.

Ruby, after receiving her heart transplant just in time for Christmas in 2019, has touched countless lives with her story of hope.

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 this June, 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.

"Her heart will forever represent the the good in humanity," Brian said. "We couldn't imagine our life without her. We are grateful, thankful and full of love."