Baby Ruby 'Doing Very Well' After Christmas Heart Transplant

WADING RIVER, NY — A 6-month-old girl who got a life-saving new heart just before Christmas is flourishing, and her grateful parents are thanking the army of warriors who came together to support their daughter, whose fight is far from over.

"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," a updated post on a GoFund Me page, "Ruby June Cotter," organized by Angela Albergo Houlihan, said. The page has raised more than $107,000 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, Brian Cotter shared the news this weekend of Ruby's extraordinary progress after the surgery: "Ruby is doing very well," he said, with all IVs removed. Because he has been sick and didn't want to put her at risk, he left the hospital Wednesday and plans to return Sunday night.

"She’s been taking all her medication by mouth," he said.

The good news followed the baby's heart transplant, which came just in time for Christmas.

"Today I am receiving an early Christmas present," a post from Ruby June Cotter 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.

"Unfortunately she’s using the NG, or nasogastric, tube to eat. Open-heart surgery and being intubated twice in 10 days can be hard on the throat, and the nerves that help swallow. Hopefully, we get to come home soon," he said.

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

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

"It's honestly very hard to think of everything. 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," Cotter said.

"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."

An update to her GoFundMe page immediately after the transplant 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, 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. "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 chronicling her journey, including one on the day she received a Berlin heart, which mechanically supports the hearts of those in heart failure. She then received her new heart in December.

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

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."

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

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.