Ava Cooper finally gets a heart after 200-day wait

In March 2025, an 11-year-old girl named Ava Cooper received a life-saving heart transplant at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital in Ohio. Born in 2014 with several serious heart defects, Ava underwent her first open-heart surgery when she was just six days old. Despite numerous surgeries throughout her early life, her health deteriorated significantly in May 2024 when a sinus infection led to heart failure. As doctors placed her on the transplant list, her family faced a prolonged wait of over 200 days in the hospital. During this time, they hoped for a suitable donor to provide Ava a second chance at life. The critical moment came when Ava's mother received a call in March 2025, sharing the life-changing news that a donor heart was available. Ava communicated the excitement directly to her father, Sean, during a video call, stating, "Daddy, I’m getting a heart!" This moment inspired a wave of emotional responses from her father, who was overwhelmed with joy after months of uncertainty and struggle. The transplant surgery was performed by pediatric and congenital heart surgeon Hani Najm, M.D., marking a joyous milestone for Ava and her family after such a difficult period. Following the successful surgery, Ava was reported to have more energy, looking forward to returning to school and engaging in activities she previously could not participate in due to her health issues. The Cooper family expressed immense gratitude not only for Ava's recovery but also for the donor family, acknowledging that Ava's life was possible because of their generosity. They felt compelled to share their story, which resonated with many and helped raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. Ava's medical journey has been fraught with challenges since birth due to her various congenital heart defects. After her initial surgeries, she faced a decline in health that culminated in her being placed on the transplant list. As the family's experiences gained attention, they hoped their narrative would not only highlight Ava's inspiring recovery but also encourage others to consider becoming organ donors. Their story serves as a reminder of the hope and second chances that organ transplants can provide to those in dire need of lifesaving treatment.