Blood Drive Tuesday Honors Baby's Lifesaving Heart Transplant

WADING RIVER, NY — Tuesday marks one year since baby Ruby June Cotter received the life-saving heart transplant that touched hearts across Long Island — and a blood drive in her honor will help others during their time of need.

The "In Honor of Ruby" blood drive will be held on Tuesday 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 Cotter, Ruby's father, 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, is just a year and a half old at the one-year anniversary, and has come far over the past months, despite the pandemic.

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,'" Cotter said. "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.

Ruby was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

"Her heart will forever represent the good in humanity," Brian said.